bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of urea and saccharose on intake and digestion of a Digitaria decumbens hay by black belly sheep
Authors: Archimède H. , Aumont G. , Saminadin| G. , Deprès E. , Despois P. , Xandé A
Published: August 2016

Effects of incorporation of urea and saccharose in diets, on intake and digestion by sheep of a 35-day-old pangola (Digitaria decumbens) hay, have been studied according to a 4 × 4 Latin-square design. Sixteen rams were given four diets: hay (C); hay plus urea (U, 23 g/kg hay); hay plus saccharose (S, 60 g/kg hay), hay plus urea and saccharose (SU). Acid-detergent fibre and crude protein (CP) content of the roughage were 395 and 78 g/kg dry matter (DM) respectively. Intake of hay (g DM per kg live weight0.75), supplemented with urea and sugar (42⋅9), was lower (F < 0.05) than with other diets (47.2, s.e. 1.6). The organic matter (OM) total tract and ruminal digestibility of the diet C, S, U and SU were 0.622, 0.590, 0.615 and 0.587 (s.e. 0.007); 0.361, 0.380, 0.378 and 0.345 (s.e. 0.015) respectively. Effective degradation and nylon bag kinetics of DM degradation were higher with U and SU compared with S or C. Few differences were observed between diets for ruminal concentration of volatile fatty acids. The ruminal ammonia concentrations were higher (P < 0.05) for the diets with urea than without urea (78 v. 215 mg/l). The efficiencies of the microbial synthesis (g nitrogen per kg OM fermented in the rumen) were, 23.6, 22.4, 24.9 and 29.3 (s.e. 1.7) for the diets C, U, S and SU respectively.

Even though additional urea increased nitrogen availability for ruminal bacteria, urea supplementation did not affect significantly intake or digestion of the pangola hay of medium CP content used in this experiment.
Physiological responses of sheep during long road journeys involving ferry
crossings
Authors: Hall S. J. G. , Broom D. M. , Goode J. A. , Lloyd D. M. , Parrott R. F. , Rodway R. G.
Published: August 2016

With a view to comparing previous findings from experimental journeys, with
observations during commercial transport of sheep, hormonal and other
physiological data were gathered during three long journeys (866 to 1178 km), all
of which involved a sea crossing (1 h 45 min to 8 h 55 min). One was a commercial
journey from the United Kingdom to continental Europe and the other two, which
were simulated commercial journeys under the control of the investigators, were
from a Scottish island to Cambridge. In all journeys there was a break in lairage
(duration 13 to 24 h). The stocking rate on the commercial journey (0·17 m2 per
sheep for shorn sheep of 35 to 37 kg body weight) was less generous than
previously used in experimental journeys. In all journeys there was an apparent
increase in plasma concentration of cortisol soon after loading and commencement
of travel, with subsequent decline. Transient increases in beta-endorphin and
prolactin were also observed but changes in creatine kinase were not obvious.
Haematocrit showed slight evidence o f a decline during the journeys. These
findings are generally similar to those obtained in experimental journeys and
there was no evidence of a hormonal response to sea conditions during the ferry
crossings. When transport was resumed after a period of rest with food and water
off the vehicle, the physiological responses were less marked than they had been
during the first stage of the journey. Under the circumstances observed, long
journeys of the type commonly practised commercially probably do not of themselves
pose a major welfare challenge.
Effects of the percentage of Texel or Rouge de ľOuest genes in lambs on
carcass characteristics and meat quality
Authors: Carson A. F. , Moss B. W. , Steen R. W. J. , Kilpatrick D. J.
Published: August 2016

This study investigated the effects of the percentage of Texel or Rouge de
l’Ouest (Rouge) genes in lambs (0, 50, 75 or 100%; the remainder being Greyface
(Border Leicester × Scottish Blackface)) on lamb carcass characteristics and meat
quality. Ewe lambs were slaughtered at 34, 40, 46 and 52 kg and ram lambs were
slaughtered at 40, 46, 52 and 58 kg live weight. Dressing proportion increased (P
< 0·001) by 0·53 and 0·27 g carcass weight per kg live weight for each 1%
increase in Texel or Rouge genes respectively. Carcass conformation classification
increased (P < 0·001) by 0·016 and 0·007 units (on a five-point scale) for each
1% increase in Texel or Rouge genes respectively. Carcass fat depth measures were
reduced by Texel and Rouge genes such that at a constant fat depth end point,
carcass weight could be increased by 0·029 and 0·023 kg for each 1% increase in
Texel or Rouge genes. Carcass lean content increased (P < 0·001) by 0·99 and
0·27 g/kg for each 1% increase in Texel or Rouge genes. Subcutaneous fat content
was reduced (P < 0·001) by 0·36 and 0·29 g/kg for each 1% increase in Texel or
Rouge genes. Intermuscular fat content was reduced (P < 0·01) by 0·38 g/kg per
1% increase in Texel genes, whereas Rouge genes had no effect. Similarly, bone
content was reduced (P < 0·01) by Texel genes only (0·31 g/kg per 1% increase
in Texel genes). Warner-Bratzler shear force values showed a quadratic effect with
increasing Texel and Rouge genes, with an initial decrease from 0 to 50% followed
by an increase to 100%. Cooking loss increased (P = 0·05) as the percentage of
Rouge genes in lambs increased. Increasing the percentage of Texel or Rouge genes
significantly increased L* values (P < 0·01 and P < 0·05 respectively), b*
values (P = 0·05 and P< 0·05 respectively) and H° values (P <
0·001).
Water intake and excretion, urinary solute excretion and some stress
indicators in mink (Mustela vison): 2. Short-term response of adult males
to changes in ambient temperature
Authors: Tauson A.-H.
Published: August 2016

Quantitative water intake and excretion, urinary osmolality and urinary
excretion of Na, K and cortisol were studied in an experiment with nine adult male
mink. The experiment comprised four periods each of 3 days, and ambient
temperature (Ta) was increased from 5°C to 20 °C (periods 1
to 2) and, after an interval of 1 day, continued at 20°C and then decreased to 5°C
(periods 3 to 4). Three different water supplies were given, namely E: extra water
in the food, N: normal ad libitum water supply or R:
restricted, free access to drinking water twice daily. Intake of metabolizable
energy (ME) was calculated, and the water intake and excretion data were related
to ME intake. The effect of Ta on quantitative water intake
and excretion was evident, with the greatest response recorded when
Ta was decreased. Intake of drinking water was highest at
20 °C, as well as the total water balance. The water supply had some, but not a
profound, influence on water intake and excretion, with tendencies for reduced
drinking water intake and water excretion in urine for R mink. Intake of ME
decreased during period 3 at 20 °C and then increased when Ta
was decreased to 5°C, which was reflected by an increased 24-h excretion of Na and
K as well as an increased osmolality of the urine. Therefore, it was concluded
that water intake and excretion were affected by combined effects of
Ta and ME intake. Generally, it was shown that the mink
responded rapidly to changes in Ta, and within 24 h
significant effects of the change could be recorded for several of the traits
studied.
Effect of previous lambing date and subsequent month of mating on reproductive
performance in Mule ewes
Authors: Mitchell L. M. , King M. E. , Aitken R. P. , Wallace J. M.
Published: August 2016

The objective was to determine the effect of previous lambing date and
subsequent month of mating on reproductive performance in Mule (Bluefaced
Leicester × Scottish Blackface) ewes. Sixty-four ewes which had previously lambed
in January (13 January (s.e. = 1 day)) and 80 ewes which had previously lambed in
May (15 May (s.e. = 1 day)) were allocated equally to four mating periods (30
August to 17 September, 1 November to 19 November, 3 January to 21 January and 14
February to 4 March) in a 2 × 4 factorial design. From 20 days before and during
their designated mating period, January- and May-lambing ewes were separately
housed in straw-bedded pens under natural photoperiod and were given 1 kg per head
per day dried grass pellets. A vasectomized ram was continuously present with each
group for 17 days and was replaced by a raddled, fertility tested entire Suffolk
ram at the start of the mating period. Ewes were mated at a single natural oestrus
and those marked by the ram were recorded daily. Ovulation rate was measured by
laparoscopy on day 6 after mating. For ewes which had previously lambed in January
(16 per group), numbers by month of mating that showed oestrous behaviour,
ovulated and were pregnant, respectively, were: September, 16, 15 and 12;
November, 16, 15 and 14; January, 15, 15 and 10 and February, 15, 16 and 7. Mean
(s.e.) ovulation rates by month of mating were 2·1 (0.16), 2·5 (0.19), 2·1 (0.09)
and 2·2 (0.19) corpora lutea per ewe ovulating, and lambing rates by month of
mating were 1·3 (0.25), 1·9 (0.25), 1·2 (0.24) and 0·8 (0.23) lambs per ewe to the
ram. For ewes which had previously lambed in May (20 per group), numbers by month
of mating that showed oestrous behaviour, ovulated and were pregnant,
respectively, were: September, 13, 20 and 12; November, 20, 20 and 19; January,
20, 20 and 17 and February, 20, 20 and 13. Mean (s.e.) ovulation rates by month of
mating were 2·0 (0.13), 2·3 (0.11), 2·1 (0.05) and 2·2 (0.11) corpora lutea per
ewe ovulating, and lambing rates by month of mating were 1·0 (0.21), 2·1 (0.15),
1·5 (0.17) and 1·2 (0.21) lambs per ewe to the ram. Ovulation, pregnancy and
lambing rates were not influenced by previous lambing date, but lambing rates were
significantly (P < 0·01) reduced for ewes mated in September and February
compared with November. Results demonstrate that in Mule ewes acceptable ovulation
rates can be achieved throughout the period September to February but lambing
rates are reduced when ewes are mated at the extremes of their natural breeding
season. The main factor contributing to the reduction in lambing rates was an
increase in the number of ewes failing to establish pregnancy as a consequence of
ovulation without oestrous behaviour, fertilization failure and (or) total embryo
loss.
The effects of synchronizing the rate of dietary energy and nitrogen supply to
the rumen on the production and metabolism of sheep: food characterization and
growth and metabolism of ewe lambs given food ad libitum
Authors: Witt M. W. , Sinclair L. A. , Wilkinson R. G. , Buttery P. J.
Published: August 2016

The effects of diets formulated to have two rates of organic matter (OM)
release and to be either synchronous or asynchronous with respect to their hourly
release of nitrogen (N) and OM in the rumen on the growth, intake and metabolism
of ewe lambs was studied. In experiment 1, the in situ degradation characteristics
of N and OM for 16 food ingredients was determined. The foods varied considerably
in their chemical composition and degradability coefficients of N and OM. Based on
this information, four diets were formulated to differ in their rate of N and OM
release in the rumen but to have a similar content of metabolizable energy (10·4
MJ/kg dry matter (DM)), crude protein (140 g/kg DM), daily ratio of N: OM released
(34 g N per kg OM) and digestible undegradable protein (32 g/kg DM) but to be
synchronous or asynchronous with respect to hourly N: OM ratio. The four diets
were slow energy, synchronous (SS), slow energy asynchronous (SA), fast energy,
synchronous (FS) and fast energy asynchronous (FA).

In experiment 2 the four diets were offered ad libitum to 24 ewe lambs of an
initial live weight of 25 kg in a 2 × 2 factorial design. Lambs were slaughtered
at 40 kg live weight. Animals offered diets FS and FA had a higher growth rate
than those offered diets SA and SS (266 v. 225 g/day respectively; P < 0·05).
There was a significant interaction between rate ofOM and N release on DM intake
(DMI) with lambs offered diet FS consuming less than those offered FA (1·47 v.
1·67 kg DM per day; P < 0·05). Rate of energy release and synchrony had an
effect on food conversion efficiency (FCE; kg gain per kg DMI) with lambs offered
diets FS and FA having a greater FCE than those offered SS and SA (0·170 v. 0·146
respectively; P < 0·001) and those offered diets SS and FS had a greater FCE
than those offered diets SA and FA (0·164 v. 0·152 respectively; P < 0·05).
Diet had little effect on carcass composition. The proportion of propionate in
rumen fluid was greater in lambs offered diets FS and FA than in those offered
diets SS and SA (222 v. 168 mmol/mol respectively; P < 0·01). Plasma urea
concentrations exhibited a cyclical trend throughout the day with highest
concentrations occurring 2 h after fresh food was offered. Lambs offered diet FS
had lower plasma urea concentrations at 6, 10 and 14 h after feeding. Plasma
concentrations of ß-hydroxybutyrate were lower throughout the day in lambs offered
diet FS. The current findings are consistent with the view that a rapid release of
OM and synchronizing hourly N: OM release in the rumen can improve the efficiency
of growth through improvements in protein and/or energy metabolism.
Phase-feeding to optimize performance and quality of Belgian Blue
double-muscled bulls
Authors: Campeneere S. de , Fiems L. O. , Cottyn B. G. , Boucqué Ch.V.
Published: August 2016

To optimize performance and carcass quality of Belgian Blue double-muscled
bulls four phased feeding regimens were evaluated. All diets were offered
ad libitum and consisted of 650 g concentrates and
350 g maize silage per kg dry matter (DM). Total period was divided into three
phases (ca. 360 to 460, 460 to 570 and 570 to 680 kg). All four groups received
the same maize silage but the different energy and protein densities were applied
using different concentrates. During the three phases, the negative control (NC)
group constantly received a diet with a low protein and a moderate energy density;
the second group (DP) received with each phase diets with decreasing protein
density while the energy density remained moderate; the third group (IE) received
diets with increasing energy density at a constantly high protein density and the
last group (DPIE) received diets which decreased in protein and increased in
energy density.

The NC group grew significantly slower during the first interval (1·37 v.
1·62 kg/day for the other groups), resulting in a significantly longer total
finishing period. During the third period IE had the slowest growth. The NC group
needed 21 and 20 days more than the DP and DPIE groups, respectively, to reach the
same slaughter weight. The NC group had the lowest DM intake during the first
interval, the IE group during the third interval. No significant differences (P
> 0·05) were found for food conversion, when expressed as DM or NEF (net energy
for fattening). IE had the worst protein conversion while NC had the best, with
the two other groups being intermediate.

The only important significant difference concerning carcass quality was the
improved dressing proportion of the IE and DP groups. Although significant,
differences in the fat content of the m. longissimus thoracis are of minor
importance. These results proved that for Belgian Blue double-muscled bulls,
protein density of the diet can be decreased with increasing live weight, while
energy should be increased to give optimal performance.
Effect of work applied at different stages of lactation on milk production, reproduction and live-weight change of F1 crossbred dairy cows used for draught
Authors: Zerbini E. , Gebre Wold Alemu
Published: August 2016

This study examined whether work applied at different stages of lactation had any effect on reproduction of cows under two feeding regimes. Twenty-four F1 crossbred dairy cows (12 Friesian × Boran and 12 Simmental × Boran) were allocated one of two diets (H + 3: natural pasture hay + 3 kg concentrate per day; and H + 5: natural pasture hay + 5 kg concentrate per day) and one of three work treatments — starting 45 days (D45), 90 days (D90) and 135 days (D135) post partum — using a principal component analysis score based on milk yield, live weight, calving interval and parity. Cows pulled sledges for 50 days (pull = 108 N per 100 kg live weight). Over the experimental period of 315 days, cows on diet H + 5 travelled a similar distance and produced amounts of fat-corrected milk (FCM) similar to those of cows on diet H + 3. Total intake of dry matter per kg live weight 0·75 was higher for cows on diet H + 5 than for cows on diet H + 3 and was similar across work times. Hay dry-matter intake was greater for the H + 3 group than for the H + 5 group at 180 days post partum and thereafter. Cows on diet H + 5 lost less weight in early lactation and gained more in mid and late lactation than cows on diet H + 3. During the work period, live-weight change was similar across diets but it was different between work treatments D45 and D135. The interval from calving to conception decreased by 63 and 101 days when start of work was delayed from D45 to D90 and from D45 to D 135, respectively. Output/input ratios of metabolizable energy equivalents were 0·35 for H + 3 and 0·37 for H + 5 diet, and 0·34, 0·37 and 0·40 for work times D45, D90 and D135, respectively. These results indicate that work started in early lactation significantly increased days to conception and decreased overall productivity of lactating working cows. Farmers must weigh the relative importance and cost of delayed ploughing against those of delayed oestrus or against the cost of borrowing draught power.
Effects of group size and feeder space allowance on welfare in finishing pigs
Authors: Spoolder H. A. M. , Edwards S. A. , Corning S.
Published: August 2016

Compared with small groups, housing in large groups offers the pig more total available space, resulting potentially in an increased degree of control over its (micro) environment. For the producer, large groups require fewer pen divisions and offer more possibilities for the sharing of resources such as feeders and drinkers. However, whilst large groups may offer benefits to higher ranking animals in the group, there may be serious disadvantages for those further down the social hierarchy, who also need to compete for access to resources. This study investigated the interactive effects on welfare of food availability (one single space hopper per 20 or per 10 pigs) and group size (20, 40 or 80 pigs per pen), at constant stocking density (0·55 m2per pig) in part-slatted pens. Groups provided with two feeding spaces per 20 pigs were less active than groups with one feeding space per 20 pigs. The number of aggressive interactions per pig at the food trough was not affected by group size but decreased with number of feeder spaces per 20 pigs. The number of skin lesions increased with group size. Average daily gain in the first half of the finishing period was negatively influenced by group size and positively by number of feeding spaces. No effect on weight gain was found subsequently. Within-group variation in growth was not affected by group size or number of feeder spaces. No differences between treatments were found in the number of pigs removed for health reasons. Interactive effects of the two treatments were found on some behaviours but not on any of the performance variables measured. It is concluded that, from a welfare point of view, the number of pigs per feeder space should be lower than 20, although performance levels appear acceptable at 20 pigs per feeder. Further research will have to identify whether the effects of group size on general aggression is common to all finishing pig systems, or whether the presence of straw can serve as a mitigating factor.
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. , Hoste S. , Edwards S. A.
Published: August 2016

This experiment measured the consequences of manipulating body fat reserves at farrowing by nutritional means in three sow breed types. A 3 ×2× 2 factorial experiment involving 83 second parity sows (previously given food to achieve a standard backfat measurement of 25 mm at first farrowing) was used to investigate the influence of breed type (Meishan synthetic 50% (M) or purebred European Landrace (LR) and Large White (LW) on response to isoenergetic diets of differing protein levels (180 g crude protein (CP) per kg, 9 g lysine per kg; or 240 g CP per kg, 12 g lysine per kg) offered to appetite over a 28-day lactation. Body fat reserves were adjusted during the preceding pregnancy by supplementing a set quantity of basal diet (131 g CP per kg, 12·7 MJ digestible energy per kg) with an energy source (maize starch + soya oil), to attain a backfat at P2 of either 23 mm (T) or 28 mm (F) at farrowing. No lactation diet effects on performance were observed. There were no significant breed or diet differences in backfat at farrowing. M sows were lighter at farrowing than LW and LR (M = 19·4, LW = 22·3, LR = 21·4 kg, P < 0·001). M consumed more food throughout lactation than LR and LW (M = 7·02, LW = 5·02, LR = 5·86 kg/day, P < 0·01) but weight loss was higher for M than for LW and LR sows (M = 11·7, LW = 5·4, LR = 6·1 kg, P < 0·05). Fat loss also showed a breed effect (M = 3·6, LW = 2·1, LR = 2·7 mm P2, P < 0·05), as did litter growth rates (M = 2·33, LW = 1·74, LR = 2·07 kg/day, P < 0·01). However, the breed effect disappeared when litter size was added as a covariate. The proportion of sows that was served within 5 days of weaning was higher for M than for the White breed types (W) (M = 0·74 , W = 0·51 , P < 0·05). The Meishan synthetics still mobilized more body tissue and produced greater milk yields than the W sows when backfat levels were standardized between breeds. The use of a very high protein food did not offer any advantage for the sow in terms of milk production or conservation of maternal body reserves.
Effect of dietary fat supplements on levels of n-3 poly-unsaturated fatty acids,transacids and conjugated linoleic acid in bovine milk
Authors: Offer N. W. , Marsden M. , Dixon J. , Speake B. K. , Thacker F. E.
Published: August 2016

The effects of three fat supplements on milk yield and composition were measured using 12 mid-lactation in-calf Hoistein-Friesian cows in a balanced incomplete change-over design over three periods each of 3 weeks. All cows received a basal diet consisting of 36 kg/day grass silage (dry matter (DM) 270 g/kg, metabolizable energy (ME) 11·6 MJ/kg DM) and 7 kg/day o f a concentrate mixture containing (g/kg) rolled barley (501), molassed sugar-beet pulp shreds (277), soya-bean meal (208) and a standard cow mineral supplement (14). Treatments were CON (control-no supplement); LIN and FISH (250 gl day of either linseed oil or marine oil, providing approximately 0·046 of ME intake) or TOA (95 glday of tuna orbital oil, providing 0·018 of total ME intake).

There were no significant effects on silage DM intake or milk yield (means 9·25 and 17·2 kg/day respectively). The FISH and TOA treatments depressed (F < 0·05) milk fat concentration (45·4, 44·6, 34·5 and 41·6 (s.e.d. 1·08) g/kg for CON, LIN, FISH and TOA respectively; note — the same treatment order is used for all results quoted). Compared with values for CON, yield of f at (glday) was significantly (F < 0·05) greater for LIN and significantly lower for FISH (739, 808, 572 and 732, s.e.d. 28·7). All three oil supplements reduced (F < 0·05) milk protein content (33·6, 32·5, 30·6 and 32·4 (s.e.d. 0·43) g/kg) but, apart from a small increase for LIN, protein yield (glday) was unaffected (545, 586, 510 and 574, s.e.d. 20·2).

The concentrations (g/100 g) of short-chain fatty acids (< C14) and C16 : 0 in milk f at were lower (F < 0·05) for LIN than for the other treatments. All supplements increased the concentrations ofC18:1 (F < 0·05), the value for LIN being greater (F < 0·05) than for the other treatments (21·0, 27·2, 25·3 and 23·7, s.e.d. 0·74). The FISH and TOA treatments increased (F < 0·05) the concentrations of long chain (< C2O) (n-3) poly-unsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), (0·19, 0·17, 0·49 and 0·27, s.e.d. 0·026) but less than proportionately 0·03 of dietary intake of these acids was transferred to milk, probably because they were found to be mostly in the phospholipid and cholesterol ester fractions of plasma. The FISH and TOA treatments increased (F < 0·05) the percentages of total trans fatty acids in milk fat (1·13, 2·19, 10·26 and 3·62, s.e.d. 0·728) whilst a significant (F < 0·05) increase in conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) was observed only for FISH (0·16, 0·28, 1·55, and 0·52, s.e.d. 0·154). Concentrations of CLA and total trans acids in milk were highly correlated (r = 0·91, no. =36, F < 0·001) whilst trans acids in milk were inversely correlated with milk fat content (r = -0·63, no. = 36, F < 0·001) supporting the theory that milk fat depression may be caused by increased supply of trans fatty acids to the mammary gland. The health implications of these changes in milk fat composition are discussed.
Thoroughbred bedding preferences, associated behaviour differences and their implications for equine welfare
Authors: Mills D. S. , Eckley S. , Cooper J. J.
Published: August 2016

Choice tests are an effective means of assessing the short-term environmental preferences of captive animals. The preferences shown by eight thoroughbred horses (Equus caballus) for three commonly used bedding materials (paper, straw and shavings) were investigated. For each preference test two choices were presented in separate boxes joined by an unbedded corridor. Time spent in each compartment and associated behaviours were recorded. Despite a positional bias, horses clearly showed a preference for straw bedding (42·9 (s.e. 3·6) %) over shavings (35·2 (s.e. 3·4) %, P < 0·05), straw (42·0 (s.e. 37) %) over paper (29·3 (s.e. 3·4) %, P < 0·05) and shavings (41·6 (s.e. 4·3) %) over paper (27·7 (s.e. 3·7) %, P < 0·001) based on percentage of observed time spent on the substrate. Straw bedding increased the occurrence of bedding related activities, with more of these activities in choices where straw was available (P < 0·001) and in these choices the activities being preferentially expressed in the straw alternative (P < 0·001). Straw may therefore be preferred as it allows the expression of a wider number of motivationally significant activities.
Effect of forage to concentrate ratio in complete diets offered to sheep on voluntary food intake and some digestive parameters
Authors: Valdés C. , Carro M. D. , Ranilla M. J. , González J. S.
Published: August 2016

Twelve mature ewes were used to study the effect of forage: concentrate ratio in complete diets on voluntary intake and some digestive characteristics. Diets consisted of four combinations of chopped lucerne hay and a concentrate (390 g cracked barley grains, 440 g cracked maize grains and 170 g soya-bean meal per kg of concentrate) in the following proportions (fresh matter basis): 0·8:0·2 (C20), 0·6:0·4 (C40), 0·4:0·6 (C60) and 0·2:0·8 (C80). Diets were offered over two 42-day periods and, in each of them, three sheep received one of the four diets, with the restriction that no animal received the same diet in both periods. Chromium Ill-mordanted fibre was used as a marker to estimate passage rate of digest a and microbial nitrogen supply (MNS) was estimated from the urinary excretion of purine derivatives. The increase in the proportion of concentrate affected linearly (P< 0·05) the voluntary intake of food, the mean values being 36·8, 37·9, 36·3 and 30·0 g dry matter (DM) per kg live weight per day for C20, C40, C60 and C80 diets, respectively. Apparent digestibility of DM, organic matter (OM) and crude protein increased linearly (P< 0·01) with the proportion of concentrate in the diet, whereas that of cellulose evolved auadratically (P< 0·05), reaching a minimum value in the C80 diet. Digestible OM intake was unaffected (P> 0·05) by the proportion of concentrate in the diet. Both particulate passage rate from the rumen and through the caecum and proximal colon decreased linearly (P< 0·05) as concentrate proportion in the diet increased. MNS (g/day) was not affected (P> 0·05) by the diet, whereas its efficiency (g/kg digestible OM intake) tended (P< 0·10) to increase with the proportion of concentrate in the diet.
Effects of the ratio of silage to concentrates in the diet on the performance and carcass composition of continental bulls
Authors: Patterson D. C. , Steen R. W. J. , Moore C. A. , Moss B. W.
Published: August 2016

A total of 45 continental bulls (1/2 Blonde d'Aquitaine/3/8 Charolais) were used in a continuous design randomized-block experiment, to examine the effects of the ratio of silage to concentrates in the diet on growth and carcass parameters. The proportions of concentrates in the five diets were 0·26, 0·40, 0·55, 0·68 and 0·75 (DM basis). The basal diet was grass silage with D value 730 g/kg and ammonia nitrogen per unit total nitrogen 86 g/kg. The mean initial and final live weights were 467 and 651 kg respectively, with a mean carcass weight of 384 kg. The digestibility of energy was not affected by the proportion of concentrates in the diet. The rates of live weight, carcass and separable lean tissue gain tended to reach a plateau at the higher concentrate proportions, while the rate of separable fat tissue gain increased linearly with increase in concentrate proportion. The separable lean content of the carcass was linearly and negatively related to the proportion of concentrates, with a predicted decrease of’10 g/kg for an increase in concentrate proportion of 0·16. Separable fat content was also linearly related to the proportion of concentrates, with a predicted increase of 10 g/kg for each 0·196 increase in proportion of concentrates. The absence of any effect of concentrate proportion on the content of saleable meat in the carcass was considered to reflect the high growth potential of the animals. An important conclusion was that 0·99 of the asymptote value for lean tissue gain was attained at a concentrate proportion of 0·52 and that 0·95 of the maximum rate of gain was obtained at the relatively low concentrate proportion of 0·39, therefore indicating that finishing bulls of this type can perform to a high level on diets which are predominately based on grass silage.
Study of dissected lamb muscles by visible and near infrared reflectance spectroscopy for composition assessment
Authors: Cozzolino D. , Murray I. , Scaife J. R. , Paterson R.
Published: August 2016

Near infrared reflectance spectroscopy (NIRS) was used to study the reflectance properties of intact and minced lamb muscles in two presentations to the instrument to predict their chemical composition. A total of 306 muscles were examined from 51 lambs, consisting of the following muscles: longissimus dorsi, supraspinatus, infraspinatus, semimembranosus, semitendinosus and rectus femoris. Modified partial least squares (MPLS) regression models of chemical variables yielded R2 and standard error of cross-validation (SECV) of 0·76 (SECV: 10·4), 0·83 (SECV: 5·5) and 0·73 (SECV: 4·7) for moisture, crude protein and intramuscular fat in the minced samples expressed as g/kg on a fresh-weight basis, respectively. Calibrations for intact samples had lower R2 and higher standard error of cross validation (SECV) compared with the minced samples.
The use of ultrasound measurement of perirenal fat thickness to estimate changes in body condition of young female rabbits
Authors: Pascual J. J. , Castella F. , Cervera C. , Blas E. , Fernández-Carmona J.
Published: August 2016

Forty-two New-Zealand x Californian young female rabbits of 4·5 months of age were used to evaluate the use o f a computerized ultrasound system in estimating changes in body condition. In order to get a wide range of fatness, animals were randomly subjected to four food restriction regimes for 2 weeks. Female rabbits were scanned at six different back sites to estimate perirenal fat thickness, using a real-time ultrasound unit equipped with a 5·0-MHz sector probe. After scanning, all animals were weighed and slaughtered. The weights of hot carcass, cold carcass, perirenal fat, scapular fat, liver and kidneys were recorded. There was a large variation in the weight of the main fat deposits, especially for the perirenal fat (CV = 0·632), indicating its suitability for estimating changes in body condition. Ultrasound measurements of perirenal fat thickness correlated strongly with all carcass fat weight values (r= 0·692 to 0·959;P< 0·001) and the estimated carcass energy content (r= 0·777 to 0·866;P< 0·001) and seem to be more precise predictors than live weight measurements. Multiple regression equations for estimating the main fat deposit weight and estimated carcass energy content using only the live weight as an independent variable hadR2values ranging from 0·47 to 0·59. The accuracy of estimates was improved when ultrasound measurements were used in the regression model (R2values ranging from 0·81 to 0·95). Ultrasound measurement of mean perirenal fat deposit thickness at 3 cm ahead of the 2ndto 3rdlumbar vertebrae was the best predictor for perirenal fat weight (R2= 0·95;P< 0·001), total fat weight (R2= 0·93;P< 0·001) and estimated carcass energy content (R2= 0·90;P< 0·001). A validation group of 11 rabbit does was used to validate the ultrasound regression equations, showing that their mean accuracy was approximately 0·895 and 0·967 for total fat weight and estimated carcass energy content, respectively. Results suggest that ultrasound measurements of perirenal fat thickness may be an accurate method for studying changes in body condition of young female rabbits at different times.
Influence of high ambient temperatures on food intake and feeding behaviour of multiparous lactating sows
Authors: Quiniou N. , Renaudeau D. , Dubois S. , Noblet J.
Published: August 2016

Forty multiparous Large White sows were used to investigate the effects of five ambient temperature levels (18, 22, 25, 27, and 29°C) and two dietary protein contents on their feeding behaviour during lactation. At each temperature treatment, ambient temperature was kept constant over the 21-day lactation period. Dietary protein content was either 140 or 170 g/kg with essential amino acids levels calculated to he non-limiting. Photoperiod was fixed to 14 h of artificial light. The animals were given food ad libitum between the 7th and the 19th day of lactation. Feeding behaviour was not influenced by diet composition. Over the 13 days under ad libitum feeding conditions, voluntary food intake decreased from 7·80 to 3·50 kg/day between 18 and 29°C, which was achieved through a decreased daily number of meals at the highest temperature (6·8 to 4·5 at 18 and 29°C, respectively). No significant difference among temperatures was observed on meal size, even if the highest (1372 g) and the lowest (883 g) values were obtained at 18 and 29°C, respectively. Rate of food intake was not influenced by temperature and averaged 133 g/min; consequently, decreased voluntary food intake under heat exposure resulted in reduced ingestion time (61 and 29 min/day at 18 and 29°C, respectively). Hourly food intake peaked at the beginning and the end of the light period. It resulted in a mainly diurnal partition of food intake. This partition was significantly affected by temperature as proportionately 0·87 and 0·91 of total food intake occurred during the day at 27 and 29°C, respectively, v. 0·81 on average between 18 and 25°C. Number of meals was lower during the night (1·1 v. 5·2 during the day on average); it decreased with increased temperature both during the day and the night. Meal size was lower during the night (938 v. 1080 g during the day on average). The ratio between water and food intake was significantly higher at 29°C (8·1 v. 4·2 l/kg on average between 18 and 27°C). Standing activity averaged 124 min/day with no significant difference between temperatures.
Energy and nitrogen metabolism in Holstein-Friesian cows during early lactation
Authors: Sutter F. , Beever D. E.
Published: August 2016

Energy and nitrogen metabolism were examined at weekly intervals during lactation weeks 1 to 8 in Holstein-Friesian cows (no. = 9) offered a diet of hay, maize pellets (whole plant) and concentrates, (barley, maize and soya bean; forage : concentrate ratio 65 : 35), with feeding levels close toad libitum.

After calving, the cows lost body weight until week 7, with peak milk yield (35 kg/day) recorded during week 3. Dry-matter intakes increased progressively to week 4 then remained relatively constant. Apparent digestibility of dietary energy was unaffected by stage of lactation but the overall value was low (0·653) indicative of the quantity and quality of long hay in the diet. Metabolizable energy intakes ranged between 163 and 202 MJ/day, with little between-week variation after that between weeks 1 and 2 (P< 0·01). Milk energy output was relatively stable during weeks 1 to 4 but then declined progressively for each remaining week, whilst heat energy output was relatively constant throughout. Estimates of body energy retention indicated the cows were in negative energy balance at all times, being greater in week 1 (64 MJ/day,P< 0·01) than weeks 2 to 4 (mean, 35 MJ/day) or weeks 5 to 8 (22 MJ/day). Digestible nitrogen (N) intake was reduced in week 1, whilst apparent N digestibility declined significantly , with little between-week variation after that between weeks 1 and 2 < 0·05) as lactation progressed. The cows were in negative N balance (–19 g/day) during week 1, with zero (week 2) or positive balances noted thereafter.

It is concluded that during early lactation, the extent of body tissue mobilization in average yielding cows can be substantial and prolonged, whilst attainment of positive body N status occurred earlier and was not related to the energy status of the cows.
Effect of dietary protein concentration and source on the growth rate and on body composition of Holstein-Friesian male calves
Authors: Brosh A. , Aharoni Y. , Levy D. , Holzer Z.
Published: August 2016

Holstein-Friesian male calves, aged 160 to 450 days, and of live weight 180 to 530 kg, were used to determine the effects of dietary nitrogen level and dietary nitrogen source on performance. Experiment 1, tested dietary nitrogen level, and involved two trials with three dietary-nitrogen levels and equal dietary metabolizable energy (ME) 11·7 MJ/kg dry matter (DM). The crude protein (CP) level was reduced in the course of the trials by 40 g/kg, the experimental average CP in the diets being 146, 126 and 106 g/kg for the high (HP), medium (MP) and the low protein (LP) diets, respectively. The urea space (US) for estimation of body protein deposition and the rumen volume for calculation of empty body weight were measured in trial A of experiment 1. Experiment 2 involved four diets of equal ME concentrations; (11-7 MJ/kg DM), in three of which the CP contents were equal but from different sources: (a) 110 g/kg, all of it true protein (TP), negative control; (b) 130 g/kg, all of it TP; (с) 130 g/kg CP, 20 g/kg of it is poultry litter (PL) protein; (d) 130 g/kg CP, 40 g/kg of it is PL protein. Significantly lower US and ratio of US to live weight were found in the calves on the LP diet, from the age of 265 days than in the calves on the other diets. The ratio of US to live weight significantly decreased with increasing age in all protein level treatments. Until the age of 300 days the rumen volume was significantly higher on the LP diet than on the other diets. Calves on the HP diet had the highest daily gain and carcass gain. The recommendation to reduce the dietary protein as age increased to lower than 120 g/kg caused a reduction in the energy retained from the diet but protein deposition was not impaired. Protein deposition was impaired when the CP was reduced by 20 g/kg below the level recommended by the National Research Council. The inclusion of poultry litter in the diet, with ME concentration being maintained, did not reduce the rate of live-weight gain, and improved food conversion efficiency.
The effects of forage supplements on the ingestive behaviour and production of dairy cows grazing ryegrass only or mixed ryegrass and white clover pastures
Authors: Phillips C.J.C. , James N.L. , Nyallu H.M.
Published: August 2016

The effects on milk yield and feeding behaviour of offering ryegrass silage (r), ryegrass and white clover silage (c), or grass hay (h) supplements were examined for cows grazing a ryegrass pasture (R) or a ryegrass and white clover pasture (C). The chemical composition of the two silages was similar but the hay contained less crude protein. Cows grazing R pasture spent longer feeding on c than r silages, and those consuming the c silage spent less time grazing than those consuming r silage. The cows grazing the C pasture spent longer feeding on r than c silages, and those consuming the r silage spent less time grazing than those consuming c silage. The cows’ intake of hay dry matter (DM) was less than silage DM and it was taken into the mouth at a slower rate, masticated more ana swallowed less frequently than silage. Milk yield and composition were not affected by the type of supplementary forage or pasture type. Thus cows grazing pastures of the two sward types spent longer feeding on forages with dissimilar botanical composition if given the option. However, as this reduced the time that they spend grazing, there was no effect on milk production.
Carcass composition, conformation and muscularity in Texel lambs of different breeding history, sex and leg shape score
Authors: Wolf B. T. , Jones D. A. , Owen M. G.
Published: August 2016

This study investigated the effects of flock, sex and leg shape scores (assessed in the live animal) on the carcass yield, conformation and composition of purebred Texel lambs. Two flocks were managed in a common environment. The first (Lean Index flock) had a 6-year history of selection for lean tissue growth rate using an index of live weight and ultrasonic muscle and fat depths measured at 20 weeks of age. The second (Conformation flock) had recently been established by mating rams of extreme conformation selected from the UK Texel population with ewes in the Lean Index flock. Lambs were evaluated at a mean age of 139 days at the end of an 11-week performance test in which they were reared indoors on a concentrate diet. Prior to slaughter, the lambs were assessed for conformation of the hind leg (leg shape score). Mean live weights and ultrasonic fat depths did not differ significantly between flocks or leg shape scores but ultrasonic muscle depths were highest in the high leg shape score (27·9, 27·7 and 30·1 mm in low, medium and high scores, s.e.d. 0·55). At constant slaughter weight, the lean weight in the side was 0·4 kg higher in the Conformation flock and 0·3 kg higher in lambs of high v. low leg shape score (P < 0·001) with no significant differences in other tissue weights. Consequently, lean: bone ratio and lean proportions in both the live weight and carcass were higher in the Conformation flock and in lambs of high leg shape score. Lambs of high leg shape score had better carcass conformation scores (14·1, 12·9 and 11·9, for high, medium and low scores respectively, s.e.d. 0·30), shorter side length and higher values for all muscularity traits. Lean tissue distribution in major joints and individual muscles did not differ between flocks but the mean proportion of total lean in the higher priced cuts was higher (553·1 v. 543·9 g/kg, s.e.d. 3·26) for lambs of high v. low leg shape score. Males were 6·5 kg heavier than females at scanning (P < 0·001), had lower ultrasonic fat depths (2·8 v. 3·2 mm; P < 0·01) but did not differ in ultrasonic muscle depths. At equal slaughter age, males produced 1 kg more lean tissue and had a higher proportion of lean in the side than females (665·2 v. 638·9 g/kg) but did not differ in lean proportion in the live weight, carcass conformation and muscularity scores. Females carried a higher proportion of total lean in the higher priced cuts (555·6 v. 541·8 g/kg; P < 0·01) and in some individual muscles. It was concluded that there is important variation within the Texel breed in lean yield at constant live weight and that this is likely associated with differences between strain and conformation type.
Adoption, allonursing and allosucking in farmed red deer (Cervus elaphus)
Authors: Bartoš L. , Vaňkovà D. , Šiler J. , Illmann G.
Published: August 2016

Following a pilot study, the aim of this study was to test the hypothesis whether occurrence of massaging the anogenital region of a calf by a non-maternal hind is a reliable indicator of adoption. The investigation was conducted between 28 May (1st day of calving) and 2 September (abrupt weaning of all calves) on a red deer farm at Vimperk, Czech Republic. Fifty hinds and their calves were observed but only complete data sets of sucking bouts were considered for evaluation. Massaging occurred mostly during the 1st month of the calf’s life. All filial calves were massaged repeatedly. Other calves received ano-genital massage at least twice (termed adopted), on a single occasion or not at all (termed non-filial). Filial and adopted calves behaved in a similar way but differently from non-filial calves. They sucked in an antiparallel standing position so that the hind could lick their ano-genital region more often than the non-filial calves. This occurred even when two calves were involved in the bout. When two calves were involved in the sucking bout, non-filial calves sucked from behind, between the hind’s hind legs. This position occurred more frequently with non-filial than among the filial and adopted calves. It was therefore concluded, that repeated allonursing accompanied with massaging of the ano-genital region of the sucking calf by the hind can be considered a signal of adoption. Hinds usually adopted calves older than their own progeny. The adopted calves were on average 2·5 days old. This suggests that it is most likely the calf’s activity which leads to bonding. No reciprocity was found in allosucking and/or allonursing. The fact that non-filial calves commonly initiated allosucking from a non-maternal hind during the day when she gave birth appeared crucial for establishing bonding which subsequently led to adoption. Hinds may be bonded with several calves including their own. Therefore, bonding with a non-filial calf did not principally mean failure in looking after their own progeny as shown in other studies.
A protocol for initiating oestrus and ovulation earlypost partumin dairy cows
Authors: Darwash A. O. , Lamming G. E. , Royal M. D.
Published: August 2016

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy of a prostaglandin F2α(PGF2α) and progesterone (P4) treatment in initiating oestrus and ovulation post partum (PP) in Holstein-Friesian cows. Using four herds, the treatment protocol consisted of a single intra-muscular injection of PGF2α(Estrumate) between days 12 to 14 PP followed 48 h later by progesterone treatment via intra-vaginal CIDR insertion for a period of 7 days. Milk samples for progesterone determination were collected three times weekly from 7 to 65 days PP. The ovarian activity and reproductive performance of treated (T, no. = 153) animals and untreated control cows (C, no. = 315) were compared. Treatment was effective (P< 0·001) in reducing the mean interval to PP commencement of luteal activity from 29·62 (s.e. 0·82) days to 22·09 (s.e. 0·70) days. The mean interval to first PP oestrus in the T animals was significantly reduced (P< 0·001) from 55·62 (s.e. 1·58) days to 44·91 (s.e. 1·44) days and the incidence of silent ovulation in cycles between days 21 to 65 PP was reduced (P< 0·001) from 56·28% to 42·27%. In two herds under one management regime and with a similar block-calving pattern (no. = 280 animals), the treatment protocol was beneficial to the overall reproductive performance as there was a significant shortening in the mean interval to first PP service (75·82 (s.e. 1·93) v. 80·86 (s.e. 1·32) days) and in the interval to PP conception (83·07 (s.e. 2·49) v. 88·90 (s.e. 1·95) days), bothP< 0·05.