bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Establishing twin pregnancies in cattle by embryo transfer
Authors: Sinclair K. D. , Broadbent P. J. , Dolman D. F. , Watt R. G. , Mullan J. S.
Published: September 2010

An experiment zoas conducted to assess differing methods of twin pregnancy establishment in Hereford × British Friesian beef cows and heifers. The experiment was 2 × 2 × 2 × 2 factorial design in which the factors were (i) source of embryos (in vivo or in vitro produced); (ii) pregnancy status of recipient (inseminated or non-inseminated); (Hi) method of embryo transfer (surgical or cervical); and (iv) uterine location of a native and transferred embryo, or two transferred embryos (both located in the ipsilateral, or one in each of the ipsi and contralateral uterine horns). Pregnancy and twinning rates for 285 animals used for embryo transfer were initially diagnosed at day 56 after induced oestrus by transrectal ultrasonography. Subsequently, calving rate and birth weiglit at calving were recorded.

Pregnancy rates at day 56 after induced oestrus were similar for both surgical and cervical transfers (58·6% v. 55·2%), as was the case for twinning rate (36·2% v. 30·0%). Similarly, there were no differences between these two methods of transfer (50·0% v. 46·9%) and (26·1% v. 17·7%) for calving and twin calving rates respectively. Recipients which had two embryos located in the ipsilateral uterine horn had higher (P < 0·001) pregnancy rates (66·6% v. 47·3%) but similar twinning rates (32·6% v. 33·4%) at day 56 after induced oestrus to recipients which had one embryo located in each horn. A greater (P < 0·05) percentage of recipients with two embryos originally located in the ipsilateral horn calved (56·0% v. 41·0%) but fewer (P > 0·05) produced twins (17·8% v. 25·7%) than was the case for recipients which originally had one embryo located in each horn. In vivo produced embryos resulted in higher (P < 0·001) pregnancy rates (74·4% v. 39·7%) and twinning rates (48·3% v. 18·0%) at day 56, and higher (P < 0·001) calving rates (64·5% v. 32·7%) and twin calving rates (36·3% v. 7·6%) than did in vitro produced embryos. Inseminated (Al + ET) recipients had slightly greater (P>0·05) pregnancy rates (61·6% v. 51·6%) and twinning rates (36·9% v. 28·7%) than non-pregnant recipients which received two embryos. A greater (P<0·05) percentage of inseminated recipients (Al + ET) calved (54·3% v. 42·0%) than was the case for non-pregnant recipients which received two embryos. The percentage producing twins at calving were similar for these two methods of twin pregnancy establishment.

Embryo survival to day 56 after induced oestrus averaged 45·0% and was found to be non-independent of its co-twin. From day 56 to parturition foetal loss averaged 21·0% and foetal survival was found to be independent of the fate of its co-foetus. Twin foetuses located in the same uterine horn were lighter at birth than twin foetuses located in separate uterine horns (33·0 v. 35·2 kg; P < 0·05).
A mathematical model for describing and predicting the lactation curve of Merino ewes
Authors: Groenewald P. C. N. , Ferreira A. V. , van der Merwe H. J. , Slippers S. C.
Published: September 2010

The milk production of 63 5-year-old Merino ewes was measured over a 16-week period after lambing. The purpose was to find a suitable mathematical model to represent the lactation curve of Merino sheep and to estimate the parameters of the model for an individual ewe from a single data point in early lactation. Three models were considered, the three-parameter Wood model, yn = nb exp(a + en), the four-parameter Morant model, yn = exp(a + bn + en2 + d/n and the six-parameter Grossman model, yn = a1b1 - [tanh2 (b1n - c1))] + a2b2[1 – tanh2 (b2(n -c2,))].

The Grossman model was found to be inappropriate for the available data, while there seems to be little difference in the suitability of the other two models. The Wood and Morant models both seem adequate to represent the lactation curve. A pattern in the estimated residuals suggests possible autocorrelations in the errors, but this is inconclusive due to the limited number of data points per animal.

The correlation between the estimated parameters of the model and the daily yield measured during the 1st week of lactation enabled us to use linear regression to estimate the lactation curve of an individual animal based on the 1st week's yield. Confidence and prediction intervals for the yield during the rest of the lactation period may then also be constructed. This makes it possible to extend incomplete milk records for use in genetic evaluation, formulation of rations and economic evaluations.
Lifetime productivity in gilts previously selected for decreased age at puberty
Authors: Holder R. B. , Lamberson W. R. , Bates R. O. , Safranski T. J.
Published: September 2010

A study was conducted to evaluate the effect of decreasing age of puberty on lifetime productivity in sows. Two lines of gilts from the Nebraska Gene Pool population were used in this study: a line that had been selected for decreased age at puberty (AP) and a line in which selection had been random (RS). The study was conducted in two parts. In part one, 75 gilts were mated at second oestrus and the productivity measured over five parities. A second experiment utilizing 68 gilts was conducted to provide further data for comparing litter size at parity 1, and also to compare ovulation rates in the two lines at second oestrus. Results showed that litter size was similar in both lines across parities. After five parities the percentage of sows farrowing relative to parity 1 was 58-8% for the AP line but only 39·4% for the RS line (P = 0·17). Litter birth weight, litter size and weight at 21 days, number weaned, and lactation food consumption were similar for both lines. Lactation weight loss was not significantly different between the two lines (60·9 (s.e. 5·9) v. 527 (s.e. 5·0) kg, for RS and AP gilts, respectively) but was consistent with the slightly longer weaning to remating intervals in the RS line (7·8 (s.e. 0·7) v. 6·6 (s.e. 0·7) days, P = 0·22). Ovulation rate at second oestrus did not differ between the two lines (14·1 (s.e. 0·9) v. 14·3 (s.e. 0·5), for RS and AP gilts, respectively). The regression of mean accumulative productivity on time was in favour of the AP line (P = 0·05). These results suggest that reproductive performance is not impaired in gilts which have been selected to reach puberty at earlier ages, and productivity at a specific age may be enhanced.
Production, carcass and meat quality traits of F2-crosses between European Wild Pigs and domestic pigs including halothane gene carriers
Authors: Lundström K. , Karlsson A. , Håkansson J. , Hansson I. , Johansson M. , Andersson L. , Andersson K.
Published: September 2010

A pedigree originally designed for pig genome mapping was used in order to study carcass and muscle development as well as meat quality of F2-crosses between the European Wild Pig and the domestic Large White pig (no. = 191). As a marker for the influence of genes inherited from the ‘wild’ and domestic grandparents, grouping based on the length of the small intestine was used. The pigs were also typed for genetic polymorphism at the calcium release channel (CRO locus controlling halothane susceptibility in pigs, and one of the Wild boars was found to be a carrier of the halothane mutation. At assessment, the carcasses were divided into cuts, the back and ham were defatted, and m. longissimus dorsi and the large muscles of the ham were weighed separately.

Wlien grouped according to length of the small intestine, those animals with a short small intestine were more similar to Wild Pig, e.g. they were older at slaughter and had a slower growth rate than the other group. Their carcasses contained less lean meat, more flare fat and more subcutaneous fat. No difference in meat quality could be discerned between the groups, except for a tendency to greater pigment content and higher shear force value in the group with a short small intestine.

The effect of the halothane mutation at the CRC locus was very prominent, although no animals had the gene in homozygous form. Carriers of the gene were leaner and had a higher reflectance value, lower water-holding capacity, lower pHu, higher protein denaturation and higher shear force value.
Digestibility and gastro-intestinal transit time of diets containing different proportions of alfalfa and oat straw given to Thoroughbreds, Shetland ponies, Highland ponies and donkeys
Authors: Cuddeford D. , Pearson R. A. , Archibald R. F. , Muirhead R. H.
Published: September 2010

A series of 4 × 4 Latin-square digestibility trials was carried out to determine whether there were any differences between different types of equid in their ability to digest diets containing different levels of fibre and protein. The equids (Thoroughbreds, Highland ponies, Shetland ponies and donkeys) were offered one of four molassed diets in turn and these contained different proportions of alfalfa and oat straw: 1·0:0, 0·67:0·33, 0·33:0·67, 0:1, respectively. The apparent digestibility of dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM), gross energy (GE), crude protein (CP), acid-detergent fibre (ADF) and neutral-detergent fibre (NDF) were estimated. The rate of passage of the different diets was measured using Cr-mordanted fibre (Cr-fibre) and Co-ethylene diamine tetra acetic acid.

All animals digested the components of the high-fibre diets less well than those of the low-fibre diets (P < 0·001 for DM, OM, GE, CP and ADF). Donkeys digested fibre more effectively than the other equids (F < 0·01 for ADF and NDF). The gastro-intestinal transit time of the high fibre diets was significantly less than that for the low fibre diets (P < 0·001) and donkeys retained food residues longer than the other equids (P < 0·01).
Milk production from grass silage diets: strategies for concentrate allocation
Authors: Aston K. , Sutton J. D. , Fisher W. J.
Published: September 2010

To investigate strategies for concentrate allocation, 155 multiparous Holstein-Friesian cows received grass silage ad libitum during lactation weeks 4 to 22 in two experiments. A standard concentrate (196 g crude protein (CP) per kg dry matter (DM)) was offered at the same average amount across the lactation period either at aflat rate or as two rates with a change of 6 kg in week 13. Treatments, described as kg concentrate DM per day in the first and second periods of lactation, were 3: 3, 6: 0, 3: 9 (experiment 1), 6: 6, 9: 3, 9: 9 and 12: 6 (experiments 1 and 2). In experiment 2, two additional treatments maintained CP supply from concentrate after a change from 9 and 12 kg DM by giving 3 and 6 kg high-protein concentrate (HP) DM per day (575 and 383 g CP per kg respectively).

Generally as concentrate intake increased silage intake fell, DM intake rose and yields of milk and all milk solids increased linearly. However, in experiment 1 from a base of 3 kg DM, as concentrate intake increased so did fat yield overall and protein yield in mid-lactation but at a declining rate. Fat concentration was depressed at the lowest and highest concentrate levels. Protein concentration rose as concentrate allowance increased particularly at low levels. Increasing concentrate in mid lactation improved protein but not fat concentration. Additional concentrate either spared weight loss or increased weight gain. Distributing more of a fixed allowance of concentrate to early lactation did not affect cow performance overall.

Silage intake, milk, protein and lactose yields and protein concentration increased and fat concentration was reduced by giving HP concentrates, effects being greater with 3 than with 6 kg DM per day. Reducing concentrate level while maintaining CP intake did not influence milk and solids yields. The ratios of responses to concentrate CP (3 kg DM per day HP v. 3 kg DM per day standard) compared with concentrate energy (9 kg DM per day standard v. 3 kg DM per day HP) were 2·1, 2·2, 7·4 and 1·9 for milk, fat, protein and lactose yields respectively. The results suggest feeding strategies for manipulating the production and quality of milk from grass silage diets.
Forage mixtures for dairy cows: the effect on dry-matter intake and milk production of incorporating either fermented or urea-treated whole-crop wheat, brewers' grains, fodder beet or maize silage into diets based on grass silage
Authors: Phipps R. H. , Sutton J. D. , Jones B. A.
Published: September 2010

One hundred and two multiparous Holstein/Friesian dairy coivs were used to examine the effect on food intake and milk production of replacing 330 g/kg dry matter (DM) of first-cut perennial ryegrass silage (GS) with either fermented (FW) or urea (40 g/kg DM) treated (UW) whole-crop wheat, brewers' grains (BG), fodder beet (FB) or maize silage (MS). A forage mixture containing GS and 750 g/kg DM of maize silage (MSH) was also offered. Dietary crude protein (CP) concentrations were equalized by offering all cows 6 kg DM per day of an appropriate concentrate supplement. DM intake and milk yield of cows offered GS (15·3, 23·0 kg/day) were increased (F < 0·01) by the inclusion of BG (16·3, 26·7 kg/day), FB (17·6, 25·9 kg/day), MS (16·6, 26·4 kg/day) and MSH (18·5, 27·6 kg/day). BG, FB and MS all produced similar increases in milk yield. Although the inclusion of FW and UW increased (F < 0·05) DM intake, milk yield was not significantly affected. The differences between the highest and lowest milk fat concentration, produced by FB (42·9 g/kg) and BG (40·1 g/kg) respectively, and the highest and lowest milk protein concentration produced by FB (32·1 g/kg) and GS (29·9 g/kg) respectively, were statistically significant (F < 0·001). Milk fat and protein yields of cows offered GS (0·97, 0·71 kg/day) were increased (F < 0·01) by BG (1·07, 0·82 kg/day), FB (1·11, 0·83 kg/day), MS (1·11, 0·83 kg/day) and MSH (1·12, 0·88 kg/day). Intermediate values were recorded for FW (1·01, 0·72 kg/day) or UW (1·00, 0·73 kg/day). Results show that farmers should consider replacing a major part of the grass silage component with an alternative forage or forage substitute.
Prediction of apparent digestibility and voluntary intake of hays fed to sheep: comparison between using fibre components, in vitro digestibility or characteristics of gas production or nylon bag degradation
Authors: Khazaal K. , Dentinho M. T. , Ribeiro J. M. , Ørskov E. R.
Published: September 2010

The study compared using chemical components (i.e. crude protein (CP), neutral- and acid-detergent fibre or lignin (NDF, ADF and ADL) g/kg dry matter (DM), the in vitro digestibility (Tilley and Terry, 1963), the in situ (nylon bag) DM degradation (g/100 g DM) and gas production (ml/200 mg DM) techniques to predict voluntary daily intake (g DM per kg M0.75) and in vivo apparent DM digestibility (DMD) of 10 graminaceous hays individually offered ad libitum to four Merino male sheep. Gas production or DM degradation were determined after 6, 12, 24, 48, 72 or 96 h incubation and their characteristics described using the equation p = a + b (1 – e-ct). Intake and in vivo DMD of the hays were variable and poorly related (r = 0·52; P > 0·05). The in situ DM degradation was significantly (Y < 0·05) related to in vivo apparent DMD at 48 to 96 h incubation (i = 0·76 to 0·75) and to intake at 24 to 96 h (r = 0·71 to 0·75) incubation. However, fibre components, the in vitro digestibility or gas production were either related to daily intake or in vivo apparent DMD, but not to both on the same occasion. Accurate prediction of intake (r = 0·90; P < 0·05) and in vivo apparent DMD (r = 0·88; P < 0·069) were achieved using NDF, ADF, ADL and CP in a multiple regression. Using the (a + b) and the rate (c) of in situ DM degradation, both in vivo apparent DMD (r = 0·77; P < 0·05) and intake (r = 0·83; P < 0·05) were predicted with accuracy. However, using the (a + b) and (c) of gas production, only intake was predicted accurately (r = 0·87; P < 0·01). The lower performance of the gas test was attributed to the small contribution to gas production and higher buffering capacity resulting from protein fermentation. When data of the graminaceous and other data from leguminous hays were combined, the most accurate prediction of both intake and apparent digestibility was by using characteristics of in situ DM degradation followed by those of gas production. The latter was more accurate than using chemical components or the in vitro digestibility. Addition of CP in the multiple regression improved the prediction of intake and in vivo apparent DMD from characteristics of gas production. It was concluded that despite the need to overcome the problem of protein fermentation in the gas test, accurate prediction of both intake and apparent digestibility can be achieved simply from the degradation characteristics of foods.
Selection on lean growth in a nucleus of Landrace pigs: an analysis using Gibbs sampling
Authors: Rodriguez M. C. , Toro M. , Silió L.
Published: September 2010

Data from 4150 Landrace pigs tested during the period 1989-94 for backfat thickness and age at 100 kg in an open selection nucleus were analysed with the standard restricted maximum likelihood/best linear unbiased prediction method and with a Bayesian approach based on the marginal posterior distributions of parameters of interest achieved via Gibbs sampling. Breeding values and fixed effects were sampled from normal distributions and (co)variance components from inverted Wishart distributions. The Bayesian analysis indicated that the selection was effective for both traits. Assuming flat priors for the (co)variance components, the posterior means of the annual rates of response to selection for both traits were −0·473 days and −0·212 mm. The influence of informative priors constructed from (co)variances estimated in the French Landrace breed on inferences about genetic and common environmental parameters, genetic group effects and total and annual responses was also examined.
Nutrition of draught oxen in semi-arid west Africa. 1. Energy expenditure by oxen working on soils of different consistencies
Authors: Fall A. , Pearson R. A. , Lawrence P. R.
Published: September 2010

The Oxylog, a portable breath-by-breath gas analyser, was used on seven animals to determine standing metabolic rate, energy cost of walking on soils of different consistencies and efficiency of work ploughing and carting. The average standing metabolic rate of animals was 5·63 (s.e. 0·12) W/kg M00·75. The consistency of the soil on which animals worked had a marked effect on their energy cost of walking which was 1·59 (s.e. 0·069) on unploughed soil, 2·15 (s.e. 0·084) on ploughed soil and 1·0 (s.e. 0·10) J/m per kg live weight on laterite tracks. The efficiency of ploughing sandy soils (i.e. ratio of work done to energy used for work) was 0·32 and was not significantly different from the efficiency of carting with different loads. The efficiency of doing work was not influenced by the type of work performed, the draught force exerted or the walking speed.
Influence of sex on cellularity and lipogenic enzymes of Spanish lamb breeds (Lacha and Rasa Aragonesa)
Authors: Mendizabal J. A. , Soret B. , Purroy A. , Arana A. , Horcada A.
Published: September 2010

The effect of sex on the size and number of adipocytes and on the lipogenic enzyme activity in different fat depots in Lacha (L) and Rasa Aragonesa (RA) lambs was studied. Male and female L lambs were fed on ewe milk and were slaughtered at 25 and 24 days of age corresponding to 11·4 and 10·9 kg live weight (UN), respectively. Male and female RA lambs were weaned at 58 days (16·0 kg LW) and were then given concentrates and barley straw until slaughtered at 89 and 91 days of age corresponding to 24·5 and 23·1 kg LW, respectively. A number of parameters were studied in omental (OM), mesenteric (MES) and kidney knob and channel fat (KKCF) depots including the amount of fat, the number and size of adipocytes and the activity of the following enzymes: glycerol 3-phosphate dehydrogenase (G3PDH), fatty acid synthetase (FAS), glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PDH) and NADPmalate dehydrogenase (MD). In subcutaneous (SC) and intermuscular (IM) depots, all the former parameters except the adipocyte number were studied. Females of both breeds had higher amounts of adipose tissue than males in the internal fat depots(P < 0·05)as well as larger adipocytes, mainly in the KKCF(P < 0·05andP< 0·001for L and RA lambs, respectively) and OM(P < 0·05in the RA lambs) depots. There were no differences between sexes in the number of adipocytes. The activity of the G3PDH enzyme was higher in females than in males in OM and SC depots(P < 0·01)in L lambs, and in KKCF, IM(P < 0·05),OM and MES(P < 0·001)depots in RA lambs. Thus, the sex effect on adiposity in both breeds studied involved a greater fattening of the females which was consistent with a greater hypertrophy and a higher G3PDH activity.
Growth and carcass characteristics of heavy slaughter weight lambs: effects of sire breed and sex of lamb and relationships to serum metabolites and IGF-1
Authors: Wylie A. R. G. , Chestnutt D. M. B. , Kilpatrick D. J.
Published: September 2010

Texel (T) and Suffolk (S) sired ram, wether and ewe lambs (no = 180) were kept at grass with their dams until weaned at 20 weeks and then taken to slaughter weights of 40, 44 and 48 kg, also at grass. Sex type, but not sire breed, affected lamb growth rate (rams 293, wethers 253, ewes 224 g/day; P < 0·001). Both T and S ewe lambs were fatter at slaughter in all fat depots compared with their ram and wether siblings such that rams could be slaughtered at a calculated 7·7 kg greater live weight than ewes at equal carcass fat cover. T carcasses were greater than S carcasses in eye-muscle area (793 v. 732 mm2; P < 0·001) and killing-out proportion (481 v. 476 g/kg; P < 0·05) but not in any fat measurement. Slaughter weight influenced killing-out proportion (P < 0·001) and all fat measurements (P < 0·01) but did not significantly affect eye-muscle area.

Mean serum insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) concentrations (μig/l), determined during weeks 8,11, 14, 17 and 20 in a balanced subset of 84 lambs, were higher in T than in S lambs (P < 0·05), in singles than in twins (P < 0·01; rams and wethers only) and in rams than in either wethers or ewes (P < 0·001). Mean serum IGF-1 concentration decreased between week 8 and week 20 with a greater rate of decline in singles than in twins (P < 0·001). IGF-1 was more strongly correlated with live weight at 8 weeks (r = 0·629; P< 0·001) than at 20 weeks (r = 0·293; P < 0·05). Mean IGF-1 (weeks 8 to 20) was correlated with rate of live-weight change (r = 0·576; P < 0·001). Significant differences for T and S lambs were found in the relationships between mean serum IGF-1 (weeks 8 to 20) and daily live-weight gain (weeks 8 to 20) and between mean IGF-1 and eye-muscle area at slaughter. Metabolite concentrations differed little between sire breeds and not at all between sex types.
A comparison of the effects on voluntary intake by sheep of dietary addition of either silage juices or lactic acid solutions of the same neutralizing value
Authors: Offer N. W.
Published: September 2010

Juice was extracted from a ryegrass silage after fermentation times of 0, 51 or 291 h. Three solutions of D/L lactic acid were prepared to have the same neutralizing values (NV) as the silage juices. Experiment A measured the mtakes by sheep of dried silage residues remaining after juice extraction. Experiment B measured the effect of adding each of the juices and lactic acid solutions (1·5 l/kg) on intake of unmolassed sugar-beet nuts. Intakes were measured daily and also over 3 h following an overnight fast.

Fermentation time had no effect on the composition or intake of the residues (P < 0·05). Increasing fermentation time from 0 to 51 to 291 h reduced silage juice pH (5·07, 4·96 and 4·10), increased lactic acid (gfl 6·2, 7·1, 18·7), NV (meq/l 29, 40, 157) and osmolality (mosmol/l 1000, 1010, 1390). Corresponding values for the lactic acid solutions were 2·82, 2·74, 2·41 (pH), 3·1, 4·3,18·3 (lactic), 26, 38,154 (NV) and 32, 42,176 (osmolality).

Total daily DM intake (g/kg live weight1·473) was unaffected by NV but was significantly higher overall (P < 0·05) for the silage juices (7·49) than for the lactic acid solutions (6·64) although this difference was mostly due to the extra dry matter (DM) contained in the added silage juice. Short-term DM intake (g per 3 h per kg live weight1·473) decreased with increasing NV, being significantly lower (P < 0·05) for the highest NV than for the others (3·58, 3·34 and 3·11) but lactic acid and silage juice gave similar responses (P > 0·05). Effects on short-term intake were influenced mainly by NV and suggested effects on immediate feedback mechanisms or palatability.
Selection for high or low backfat depth in Coopworth sheep: juvenile traits
Authors: Morris C. A. , McEwan J. C. , Fennessy P. F. , Bain W. E. , Greer G. J. , Hickey S. M.
Published: September 2010

A selection experiment was established in Coopworth sheep in 1981 to breed for increased or reduced ultrasonic backfat depth (scan C). Foundation females came from four flocks recorded for scan C and live weight, with weight-adjusted scan C data within flock being used for initial screening and subsequent selection. Three groups of animals per source flock, comprising proportionally the fattest 0·12, a random sample, and the leanest 0·12, were used to establish the F, control and L lines, respectively. Ewe flock numbers from 1981 to 1992 averaged 51 per line. Foundation rams were selected in the same manner from four different farms (two sources each in 1981 and 1982) to provide F line (proportionally the fattest 0·04), control line and L line (leanest 0·04) rams for use in 1981 and 1982, with four mated per line per year. Thereafter homebred rams were selected, with 41 or 42 homebred rams being used per line until 1992. Average generation intervals were 2·13 years and annual inbreeding rates per line 0·004. Bivariate heritability estimates for log scan C and log live weight, and a univariate estimate for log scan C using restricted maximum likelihood with an animal model, were 0·28, 0·22 and 0·38, respectively (all with s.e. 0·03). There was a suggestion of lower heritabilities in the L line for log scan C after adjustment for live weight. Realized heritabilities in the F and L lines were 0·34 (s.e. 0·07) and 0·26 (s.e. 0·03), respectively. Deviations of back-transformed weight-adjusted scan C in the last 2 years ofF and L data analysed (1991 and 1992 birth years) from the control flocks were 2·08 and −0·85 mm, which corresponded to responses of +2·50 and −1·03 phenotypic standard deviations, respectively. In addition there were relatively large responses in live weight taken at scanning, with F and L lines averaging 34·0 and 40·2 kg, compared with 38·0 kg for controls in the 1991 and 1992 birth years. The genetic and phenotypic correlations between log scan C and log live weight at scanning were 0·16 (s.e. 0·07) and 0·46 (s.e. 0·01) respectively.
The effect of fine grinding or sodium hydroxide treatment of wheat, offered as part of a concentrate supplement, on the performance of lactating dairy cows
Authors: Mayne C. S. , Doherty J. G.
Published: September 2010

A study was conducted to examine the effect of fine grinding or sodium hydroxide treatment of wheat, and increasing concentrate food level, on milk production. Two concentrates based either on ground wheat (450 g/kg, GW) or sodium hydroxide treated wheat (500 g/kg, SW) were offered at four concentrate levels of 2·5, 5·0, 7·5 and 10·0 kg dry matter (DM) per day to 24 dairy cows in a three-period, change-over design experiment. On average, across all concentrate food levels, silage DM intake was significantly (P < 0·01) higher with the SW concentrates, reflecting a significantly lower silage substitution rate with SW relative to GW concentrates (P < 0·01). Milk yield was also significantly higher with the SW concentrates (P < 0·05), although marginal responses to increased concentrate food level were similar (P > 0·05). Milk protein concentration increased linearly with increasing concentrate food level (P < 0·001), with a significantly greater response with the GW relative to the SW concentrate (0·59 v. 0·24 g/kg (P < 0·05) increase per kg additional concentrate). However, milk protein concentration was also significantly lower with the GW concentrate at low food levels (P < 0·05). Milk fat concentrations were similar with the two concentrate types with significant reductions in milk fat concentration with increasing concentrate food level (P < 0·05). Blood urea (P < 0·001) and β-hydroxybutyrate (P < 0·05) concentrations were significantly lower in animals offered the SW concentrate. Apparent digestibility coefficients were unaffected by either concentrate type or concentrate food level (P > 0·05), although modified acid-detergent fibre apparent digestibility was significantly reduced with increasing concentrate food level (P < 0·001). Results indicate that, at similar levels of concentrate feeding, silage intake and milk yield were significantly greater with SW compared with GW concentrates (P < 0·05 or greater). Increases in milk protein concentration with increasing concentrate food level were significantly greater with GW than with SW concentrates (P < 0·05).
The effect of different levels of gonadotropin-releasing hormone antibody titres on plasma hormone concentrations, sexual and aggressive behaviour, testis size and performance of bulls
Authors: Finnerty M. , Enright W. J. , Prendiville D. J. , Spicer L. J. , Roche J. F.
Published: September 2010

To determine the effect of different levels of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) antibody titres (AT) on plasma hormone concentrations, behaviour, testes size and performance, Friesian bull calves (no. = 72) were immunized against either human serum albumin (HSA) conjugated to Cys-Gly-GnRH (no. = 48; immunized) or HSA (no. = 24; controls) at 8 to 10 weeks of age. One booster immunization was administered on either day 28 or 56 (no. = 24 GnRH-immunized and no. = 12 control per booster day). Based on AT 1 week post respective booster, 12 immunized and six control bulls were allocated to one of three AT groups, control (C), medium (M) and high (H) with mean AT of 0·3 (s.e. 0·1), 32 (s.e. 2) and 51 (s.e. 2)% binding at a plasma dilution of 1: 160; respectively. Bulls were blood sampled and weighed every 14 days, and testicular measurements taken every 28 days, from days 0 to 533. Behaviour was observed for 4 h once weekly while bulls were together at pasture and, within AT group, for 20 min 1 week before slaughter. At slaughter, testes and carcass measurements were made. Appropriate data were analysed by ANOVA and correlation coefficients (i) determined. Behavioural data were analysed using x2. Mean AT for M and H treatment groups during the experiment were 36·5 and 44·8% binding at a 1: 160 dilution (P > 0·05, pooled s.e.d. 5·9%), respectively. Level of AT decreased (P < 0·05) mean testosterone concentrations (1·74, 1·36 and 1·21 (s.e.d. 0·17) ng/ml for the C, M and H treatment groups, respectively) and testes size (e.g. length, 10·0, 8·9 and 8·1 (s.e.d. OS) cm) in the M and H groups compared with the C bulls. There was no effect of AT level on luteinizing hormone and insulin-like growth factor-1 concentrations or on average daily gain. Bulls in the M group had the lightest testes and lowest masculinity score compared with the C and H groups (both P < 0·05). Bulls in the H group had greater backfat thickness than the C bulls (P < 0·05). Bulls in the M and H groups were less aggressive and sexually active than the C bulls (P < 0·05). In conclusion, GnRH AT in both the M and H groups persisted for the duration of the experiment, and these AT were significantly different for a critical period pre-puberty; however they both had similar effects and caused extended periods of reduced testes growth, testosterone concentrations, and aggressive and sexual behaviour compared with C bulls but there was no detrimental effect of AT on growth or carcass characteristics.
Effect of Acacia saligna with and without administration of polyethylene glycol on dietary intake in desert sheep
Authors: Degen A. A. , Mishorr T. , Makkar H. P. S. , Kam M. , Benjamin R. W. , Becker K. , Schwartz H. J.
Published: September 2010

The study was designed to measure (i) dry-matter intake (DMT) of sheep when diets including different tannins were offered and (ii) the effect of administration of polyethylene glycol (PEG), a tannin-binding agent, on DMI of tannin-rich diets. Acacia saligna phyllodes, a potential food for sheep, quebracho powder or tannic acid were added to a concentrate diet that served as a control and were offered to 16 ewe lambs (34·6 (s.d. 3·3) kg) that is, four lambs per diet. A. saligna has high levels of tannins; quebracho is a complex mixture of phenolic compounds in which condensed tannins predominate while tannic acid is a relatively pure example of a hydrolysable tannin. Intake was measured during four periods (I to IV) of 10 days each in which PEG was offered during periods II and IV. Food and water were available ad libitum. The DMI of the concentrate diet ranged between 925 glday and 1050 glday which was higher than for the other three diets (P < 0·05). The lambs consumed approximately 600 g dry matter (DM) of the diet that included 400 g A. saligna phyllodes per kg, and 500 g DM of the diets that included 100 glkg quebracho or 150 glkg tannic acid. With the quebracho and tannic acid diets, there was a distinct increase in intake when PEG was added and a decrease without PEG. This was not so with the Acacia diet when the intake remained high in period III without PEG and increased again in period IV with PEG. Body mass of control lambs increased in all periods and the increase was greater than in the other diets (P < 0·05). With the quebracho and tannic acid diets, there was an increase in body mass when PEG was added and a decrease without PEG. With the Acacia diet, there was a decrease in body mass in period I and an increase thereafter, even without PEG in period III.
Zur Situation der Versorgung von § 64-Patienten in Nordrhein-Westfalen
Authors: Wittmann Bernhard
Published: September 2010

Der Vollzug der Maßregel gem. § 64 StGB ist in Nordrhein-Westfalen – analog zum Bundestrend – geprägt durch stetig steigende Aufnahme- und Unterbringungszahlen. Das Land NRW hat eine Reihe von Maßnahmen beschlossen, um den aktuellen und sich weiter abzeichnenden Kapazitätsproblemen zu begegnen:

Neubau einer Klinik für 90 drogenabhängige Patienten in Duisburg;

im Rahmen der ab 01.01.2005 neu eingeführten Klinikbudgetierung Absenkung der Personalausstattung für Patienten mit über zweijähriger Unterbringungsdauer;

Finanzierung spezifischer forensischer ambulanter Nachsorge auch im Bereich des § 64.

 Es drohen aber Einschränkungen der Betriebsmittelfinanzierung, die an und für sich angemessenen Rahmenbedingungen für den Maßregelvollzug für Suchtkranke in Frage zu stellen.
Die psychosoziale Behandlung im bundesdeutschen Modellprojekt zur heroingestützten Behandlung Opiatabhängiger
Authors: Kuhn Silke , Schu Martina , Vogt Irmgard , Schmid Martin , Simmedinger Renate , Schlanstedt Günter , Farnbacher Georg , Verthein Uwe , Haasen Christian
Published: September 2010

Fragestellung: Ziel der vorliegenden Studie war es zu untersuchen, ob und inwieweit Art und Setting, Inanspruchnahme und Intensität der psychosozialen Behandlung (PSB) einen Einfluss auf die Wirksamkeit der Behandlung hat.

 Methodik: Es wurde eine randomisierte und kontrollierte Therapiestudie mit einer Heroin- und Methadonvergabe und den psychosozialen Interventionen Gruppen-Psychoedukation/Drogenberatung (PE/DB) sowie Case Management mit Motivierender Gesprächsführung (CM/MI) durchgeführt.

 Untersuchungsgruppe: Insgesamt wurden 1.015 Patienten in die Studie aufgenommen. Von ihnen nahmen 394 Patienten an PE/DB und 404 Patienten an CM/MI teil.

 Ergebnisse: Die psychosozialen Interventionen unterschieden sich hinsichtlich der Wirkungen auf die Verbesserung des Gesundheitszustandes und die Verringerung des illegalen Drogenkonsums nicht signifikant voneinander. Außerhalb der randomisierten Zuordnung deutet ein Vergleich der Patienten, die sich in einem selbstselektiven Prozess für eine kombinierte Behandlung entschieden haben (medikamentöse Behandlung und PSB) mit den Patienten, die eine Substitutionsbehandlung ohne PSB wählten, auf einen Mehrwert der kombinierten Behandlung hin.

 Schlussfolgerungen: Sowohl Case Management mit Motivierender Gesprächsführung als auch ein psychoedukatives Gruppenprogramm wurden in der Substitutionsbehandlung mit Heroin oder Methadon erfolgreich eingesetzt und unterschieden sich nicht in ihrem Einfluss auf die primären Effekte der Studienbehandlung.
Deutsche Suchthilfestatistik 2006 für ambulante Einrichtungen
Authors: Sonntag Dilek , Bauer Christina , Katrin Hellwich Ann
Published: September 2010

Zielsetzung: Ziel der vorliegenden Publikation ist die Auswertung der Deutschen Suchthilfestatistik für ambulante Einrichtungen, die seit 1980 die Aufgaben der Dokumentation von Einrichtungs-, Patienten- und Behandlungsmerkmalen, der Angebotsevaluation und Qualitätssicherung erfüllt, Trendanalysen ermöglicht und zudem als praktische Arbeitshilfe dient.

 Methodik: Die Auswertung 2006 basiert auf Daten von 267.496 Klienten (2005: 265.245) aus 743 ambulanten Suchthilfeeinrichtungen (2005: 749) in Deutschland. Es werden aggregierte Daten zu Patienten-, Behandlungs- und Ergebnischarakteristika auf der Basis der beiden deutschen Standarddatensätze (Bundesdatensatz bzw. Deutscher Kerndatensatz) ausgewertet. Analysiert werden Vergleiche zum Vorjahr.

 Ergebnisse: Mit 55 % (2005: 54 %) der erfassten Fälle ist die alkoholbezogene Hauptdiagnose (Abhängigkeit oder schädlicher Gebrauch nach ICD-10) am häufigsten. Diagnosen aufgrund anderer Substanzen umfassen unterschiedliche Anteile an den Behandlungsfällen (Opiate: 21 %; 2005: 22 %; Cannabis: 13 %; 2005: 13 %; Kokain: 3 %; 2005: 3 %; Stimulanzien: 3 %; 2005: 2 %). Der Anteil erfasster Erstbehandelter ist im Vergleich zu 2005 in allen Klientengruppen deutlich gesunken. Unter allen abhängigen Klienten hat ein deutlich höherer Anteil eine Opiat-Hauptdiagnose als unter den Klienten mit schädlichem Gebrauch (21 % vs. 3 %; 2005: 23 % vs. 4 %). Umgekehrt hat unter allen Klienten mit einer Hauptdiagnose für schädlichen Gebrauch ein deutlich höherer Anteil eine Cannabis-Hauptdiagnose als unter denjenigen mit einer Abhängigkeit (2006: 28 % vs. 10 %; 2005: 31 % vs. 9 %). 42 % der Klienten mit einer Alkohol- (2005: 43 %), 24 % derjenigen mit einer Opiat- (2005: 23 %) und 44 % derjenigen mit einer Cannabis-Hauptdiagnose (2005: 45 %) beenden ihre Behandlung planmäßig. Unter diesen planmäßigen Beendern erreichen wie im Vorjahr 84 % der Alkohol-, 71 % der Opiat- und 80 % der Cannabis-Klienten ein positives Ergebnis im Sinne einer Behebung oder Besserung der Problematik.

 Schlussfolgerungen: Die weitgehend stabile Stichprobe im Vergleich zum Vorjahr schlägt sich in einer hohen Konstanz der Verteilung der Hauptdiagnosen, der soziodemografischen sowie behandlungsbezogenen Daten nieder.
rauchfrei – Ein internetbasiertes Ausstiegsprogramm für junge Raucherinnen und Raucher
Authors: Tossmann Peter , Jonas Benjamin , Tensil Marc , Nowotny Gunilla
Published: September 2010

Hintergrund: Das Internet ist in den letzten Jahren zu einem Alltagsmedium geworden und wird zunehmend auch für die Prävention und Gesundheitsförderung genutzt. Mit www.rauch-frei.info/programm hat die Bundeszentrale für gesundheitliche Aufklärung BZgA für Jugendliche und junge Erwachsene ein Ausstiegsprogramm etabliert, das seit dem Frühjahr 2005 von mehr als 3.800 Personen genutzt wurde.

 Ziele: Der Beitrag gibt einen Überblick über die Inhalte des Programms und über erste Ergebnisse der begleitenden Evaluation. Zum einen werden somit die einzelnen Programmabschnitte

Information & Motivierung,

Vorbereitungsphase und

Handlungsphase

 dargestellt. Darüber hinaus werden die Nutzerinnen und Nutzer der Seite anhand ihrer demografischen Eigenschaften und verschiedener konsumbezogener Parameter bei der Anmeldung und nach dem Abschluss des Programms beschrieben. Zudem wird auf die Nutzungsintensität der Seite eingegangen. Vor dem Hintergrund der Ergebnisse werden abschließend Möglichkeiten zur Weiterentwicklung des Programms diskutiert.
Dialektisch-Behaviorale Therapie bei Patienten mit Alkoholabhängigkeit und komorbider Borderline-Persönlichkeitsstörung – erste Ergebnisse einer Pilotstudie
Authors: Schornstein Katrin , Mayer-Bruns Friederike , Dannegger Eckhard , Knabe Michael , Stoffers Jutta , Lieb Klaus , Jacob Gitta A.
Published: September 2010

Einführung: Alkohol- und Drogenabhängigkeit treten häufig komorbid mit einer Borderlin-Persönlichkeitsstörung (BPS) auf. Die Behandlungserfolge bei dieser Patientengruppe sind bisher unbefriedigend.

 Methodik: Dieser Artikel beschreibt eine Adaption der Dialektisch-Behavioralen Therapie (DBT) für die besonderen Bedürfnisse von alkoholabhängigen Patienten mit Borderline-Persönlichkeitsstörung in der stationären Entwöhnungsbehandlung. Bei 10 Pilot-Patienten wurde die Ausprägung von BPS-Symptomen vor, während und nach der im Durchschnitt 16-wöchigen Therapie mittels der ZAN-BPD-Skala erfasst.

 Ergebnisse: Die Behandlung führte in den Dimensionen affektive Instabilität, Identitätsstörung, dissoziatives und paranoides Erleben sowie instabile Beziehungen zu einer signifi kanten Besserung. Zwei Patienten brachen die Therapie ab und wurden während der Behandlung rückfällig.

 Schlussfolgerungen: Die Pilotstudie zeigt, dass alkoholabhängige Patienten mit komorbider BPS von dem Behandlungsprogramm profi tieren. Weitere kontrollierte Therapiestudien zur Beurteilung der Wirksamkeit im Kurz- und Langzeitverlauf sind erforderlich.
Remission ohne formelle Hilfe bei Alkoholabhängigkeit: Der Stand der Forschung
Authors: Rumpf Hans-Jürgen , Bischof Gallus , Hapke Ulfert , Meyer Christian , John Ulrich
Published: September 2010

 Fragestellung: Überblick zur Remission bei Alkoholabhängigkeit ohne formelle Hilfe.

 Methodik: Recherche bei der Online-Datenbank Pubmed und einschlägigen Monografien.

 Ergebnisse: Zwischen zwei Drittel und drei Viertel der Remissionen erfolgen bei Alkoholabhängigen ohne die Inanspruchnahme von Hilfen. Unbehandelte Remissionen weisen eine hohe Stabilität auf. Je weniger ausgeprägt die Alkoholproblematik ist, desto wahrscheinlicher ist Remission ohne Hilfe. Verglichen mit aktual Alkoholabhängigen wiesen Personen, die ohne Hilfe remittierten, eine schwerere Abhängigkeit und mehr soziale Ressourcen auf. Abhängigkeitsschwere und soziale Unterstützung stehen in einem Wechselverhältnis. Die jeweilige Ausprägung erlaubt die Unterscheidung von drei Untergruppen. Hauptgründe für die Remission sind gesundheitliche und familiäre Probleme. Der Remission geht nach den Berichten der ehemals Abhängigen ein kognitiver Bewertungsprozess, bei dem negative und positive Aspekte des Konsums abgewogen werden, voraus. Bei der Aufrechterhaltung spielen u. a. soziale Unterstützung und positive Änderungen im Leben eine Rolle.

 Schlussfolgerungen: Trotz der mittlerweile gut belegten Befunde steht die Erforschung der unbehandelten Remission noch in den Anfängen. Weitere und detailliertere Analysen sind notwendig, um aus den Mechanismen der unbehandelten Remission neues Wissen für Hilfen und Behandlungsmethoden abzuleiten.
2010 AGU Medalists and Awardees
Authors: Grove Timothy L.
Published: September 2010

The Honors and Recognition Committee is pleased to present the 2010 AGU medalists and awardees. We recognize and honor our colleagues' outstanding contributions to the advancement of the geophysical sciences and their service to the community.
Effects of ice particle size vertical inhomogeneity on the passive remote sensing of ice clouds
Authors: Zhang Zhibo , Platnick Steven , Yang Ping , Heidinger Andrew K. , Comstock Jennifer M.
Published: September 2010

The solar reflectance bi‐spectral (SRBS) and infrared split‐window (IRSpW) methods are two of the most popular techniques for passive ice cloud property retrievals from multispectral imagers. Ice clouds are usually assumed to be vertically homogeneous in global operational algorithms based on these methods, although significant vertical variations of ice particle size are typically observed in ice clouds. In this study we investigate uncertainties in retrieved optical thickness, effective particle size, and ice water path introduced by a homogeneous cloud assumption in both the SRBS and IRSpW methods, and focus on whether the assumption can lead to significant discrepancies between the two methods. The study simulates the upwelling spectral radiance associated with vertically structured clouds and passes the results through representative SRBS and IRSpW retrieval algorithms. Cloud optical thickness is limited to values for which IRSpW retrievals are possible (optical thickness less than about 7). When the ice cloud is optically thin and yet has a significant ice particle size vertical variation, it is found that both methods tend to underestimate the effective radius and ice water path. The reason for the underestimation is the nonlinear dependence of ice particle scattering properties (extinction and single scattering albedo) on the effective radius. Because the nonlinearity effect is stronger in the IRSpW than the SRBS method, the IRSpW‐based IWP tends to be smaller than the SRBS counterpart. When the ice cloud is moderately optically thick, the IRSpW method is relatively insensitive to cloud vertical structure and effective radius retrieval is weighted toward smaller ice particle size, while the weighting function makes the SRBS method more sensitive to the ice particle size in the upper portion of the cloud. As a result, when ice particle size increases monotonically toward cloud base, the two methods are in qualitative agreement; in the event that ice particle size decreases toward cloud base, the effective radius and ice water path retrievals based on the SRBS method are substantially larger than those from the IRSpW. The main findings of this study suggest that the homogenous cloud assumption can affect the SRBS and IRSpW methods to different extents and, consequently, can lead to significantly different retrievals. Therefore caution should be taken when comparing and combining the ice cloud property retrievals from these two methods.
Bursts of Solar Radiation at Metre Wavelengths
Authors: Payne-Scott R
Published: September 2010

The variable components of solar radiation
observed on frequencies of 85, 65, 60, and 19 Mc/s. over a period of nine
months have been studied. It is shown that two types of variable high-intensity
radiation can be distinguished. One of these, referred to as the "
enhanced level ", is circularly polarized. The other, a particular type of
short duration increase, is not circularly polarized and such an increase is
called an " unpolarized burst ".

These bursts tend to occur nearly simultaneously over a range of frequencies. They
decay exponentially and double-humped bursts are common. Their characteristics
are shown to conform broadly with the hypothesis that the bursts originate in
localized transitory disturbances in the high corona which radiate over a wide
frequency range. The decay constant is correctly predicted on the assumption
that it is the decay constant of the excited medium in the region of origin,
and the double peaks on the assumption that the second peak is an " echo
" of the disturbance after reflection at the appropriate lower level in
the corona.

The occurrence of time delays between the arrival of " corresponding "
unpolarized bursts on different frequencies is confirmed, the higher frequency
commonly arriving earlier, with delays of about 0.7 second between 85 and 60
Mc/s. and 9 seconds between 60 and 19 Mc/s. There is a good correlation between
major radio ' fade-outs " and large bursts on these frequencies.