bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ADDITIVE AND NON-ADDITIVE GENETIC EFFECTS ON GROWTH TRAITS IN MATINGS AMONG ROMNELET, COLUMBIA, SUFFOLK, AND NORTH COUNTRY CHEVIOT BREEDS
Authors: VESELY J. A. , KOZUB G. C. , PETERS H. F.
Published: March 2010

Romnelet, Columbia, Suffolk, and North Country Cheviot breeds were mated in a diallel design giving a total of 1,465 offspring in four purebred and 12 crossbred lines over a period of 8 yr. Estimates of pure-breed effect, heterosis, general and specific combining abilities, maternal ability, and sex-linked effect were obtained for birth weight (BW), weaning weight (WW), postweaning gain (PWG), weight-per-day-of-age (WPDA), final weight (FW), and survival rate (SVR). No significant effect of specific combining ability was detected in any of the traits studied. Heterosis was evident in all traits and pure-breed effect was important in WW, PWG, WPDA, and FW. Maternal ability was demonstrated in BW, WW, WPDA, and FW, and general combining ability in BW, PWG, and FW. Sex-linkage was only significant (P < 0.05) in WPDA and FW. From the standpoint of the total variation (sum of squares), heterosis, pure-breed, and maternal effects were the most important genetic controls acting upon the traits.
PRESERVATION OF FEED POTATOES BY ENSILING WITH DRY FORAGE
Authors: NICHOLSON J. W. G. , McQUEEN R. E. , BURGESS P. L.
Published: March 2010

Pulped potatoes and chopped hay or broiler litter were ensiled at three different ratios in laboratory silos. With both hay and litter, the best silage, as determined by odor and chemical quality parameters, was obtained with the mixture having about 35% dry matter (DM). A drier mixture (43.5% DM) with broiler litter produced a silage with a higher level of ammonia, while the wettest mixtures (about 27% DM) of both hay and litter had free moisture in the plastic bags. Sheep readily consumed an ensiled mixture of potato and broiler litter. Whole potatoes and chopped hay (2.5:1 w/w) were ensiled by blowing the mixture into an upright silo. The silo blower satisfactorily pulped the potatoes. This silage was fed ad libitum to 16 steers and compared with corn silage fed to 16 similar steers. Steers fed the potato–hay silage consumed more [Formula: see text] dry matter per day but did not gain weight any faster (0.9 kg/day) than those fed corn silage. The digestibility coefficients of energy, as determined with sheep, were 61.1% for the potato–hay silage and 62.9% for the corn silage. When these digestibility coefficients were applied to the feed consumed by the steers, there were no significant differences (P > 0.05) in digestible energy consumed per day or per unit of weight gain for the two silages. It was concluded that feed potatoes can be stored satisfactorily as silage when mixed with a dry roughage and that this silage dry matter will be consumed by steers at a higher level per day than dry matter from corn silage.
DIETARY EFFECTS ON THE CONCENTRATIONS OF FREE AMINO ACIDS IN PLASMA AND WHOLE BLOOD OF PIGS
Authors: KEITH M. O. , BOTTING H. G. , PEACE R. W.
Published: March 2010

The concentrations of free amino acids in plasma and whole blood of growing pigs were examined following an overnight fast and at 2 and 5 h after eating either a semipurified diet containing casein or a natural grain-based commercial ration. The plasma:whole blood (P:B) ratio of the concentrations of threonine, proline and tyrosine changed significantly (P < 0.01) with time after feeding; methionine and lysine showed the same effect depending upon which diet was fed. Aspartic acid, citrulline, ornithine and histidine tended to show similar responses. No effect was observed on the ratios for other amino acids. Treatment effects on plasma:erythrocyte ratios were similar to those on P:B ratios. The semipurified diet resulted in increasing plasma and blood concentrations of most amino acids for 5 h after feeding whereas concentrations of most amino acids decreased after 2 h when the natural diet was fed. The natural diet appeared to stimulate greater urea cycle activity according to plasma concentrations of urea cycle metabolites. The data indicate that for some amino acids metabolic state affects plasma and whole blood concentrations differently, especially when a semipurified diet is fed. Whole blood concentrations of these amino acids are not an accurate reflection of plasma concentrations.
CHANGES IN CARDIAC LIPIDS OF CHICKS FED RAPESEED OILS WITH DIFFERENT LEVELS OF ERUCIC ACID
Authors: KRAMER J. K. G. , HULAN H. W.
Published: March 2010

Male White Leghorn chicks were fed either a basal diet or diets supplemented with soybean oil or four different rapeseed oils at 20% by weight of the diet from 1 day of age to 3 days, 1, 2 and 4 wk. The four rapeseed oils contained different levels of erucic (0.9–22.3%) and eicosenoic (1.5–12.3%) acids. Only the diet containing rapeseed oil high in erucic acid gave higher cardiac fat levels as measured gravimetrically. Maximum deposition of the long-chain monoenes, erucic and eicosenoic acids, had occurred in the cardiac lipids of chicks after 3 days on diet, and the levels remained high throughout the 4-wk trial. The relative concentration of these long-chain monoenes in the cardiac lipids of chicks was positively correlated to the dietary levels of these acids. The composition of the alkenyl groups of the plasmalogenic lipids was changed by feeding rapeseed oil, with 18:1 becoming the major alkenyl group. Minor amounts of 20:1 and 22:1 alkenyl groups were detected in the plasmalogenic lipids of chicks fed rapeseed oils. Finally, a comparison is made of the relative concentration of erucic and eicosenoic acids found in cardiac lipids of chicks to that found in rats and pigs fed diets containing the same rapeseed oil rich in these monoenes.
A SURVEY OF DAIRY HERDS IN THE FRASER VALLEY OF BRITISH COLUMBIA TO DETERMINE POSSIBLE CAUSES OF UNSATISFACTORY REPRODUCTIVE PERFORMANCE
Authors: PETERSON R. G. , WALDERN D. E.
Published: March 2010

In a preliminary study of reproductive performance of 261 dairy herds in the Lower Fraser Valley of British Columbia for the period 1966 through 1970, mean non-return rate was 4.7% less in 1970 than in the previous 4 yr. In February 1972, factors associated with the reproductive performance of 68 herds in the same region were studied in greater detail. Herd non-return rates for 1971 were estimated from artificial insemination (AI) unit records. Feed samples, soil samples, feed intakes, and herd production levels were obtained for each period. The results indicated that differences in mineral nutrition between herds were associated with reproductive performance. The Cu/Mo ratio in silage was the most important factor, with increases in Cu relative to Mo being associated with low herd non-return rates. Other minerals found to be important included the Cu/Mo ratio in hay and grain, Cu in hay, Mo and Se in grain, Ca and P in silage and the variability of soil Mg levels. The type of forage fed was also important, with herds receiving diverse rations having higher conception rates than those restricted to one type of silage and/or hay.
NUTRITIONAL ADEQUACY OF MATURE ALTAI WILD RYEGRASS AND CRESTED WHEATGRASS, OR OF ALFALFA-WHEAT STRAW MIXTURES FOR THE PREGNANT EWE
Authors: KNIPFEL J. E.
Published: March 2010

Pregnant ewes were fed diets consisting of ground and pelleted alfalfa (A), 75% alfalfa plus 25% wheat straw (75A), 50% alfalfa plus 50% wheat straw (50A), crested wheatgrass (CWG) or Altai wild ryegrass (AWR), with the grass harvested at a mature stage. As the alfalfa content of the diet decreased, the dietary protein level and the digestibility of protein decreased. Digestibilities of dry matter, organic matter, and energy decreased as the dietary alfalfa level decreased. Altai wild ryegrass contained a higher level of digestible cellulose than did any of the other diets. Intakes of digestible energy and protein were highest when A or 75A was fed. Ewes fed 50A, CWG or AWR did not differ significantly in digestible energy intake. Digestible protein intakes were ranked A > 75A > 50A > AWR > CWG. Performance data indicated that alfalfa and Altai wild ryegrass produced equivalent gains in pregnant ewes, with 75A and 50A slightly lower. Ewes fed crested wheatgrass lost weight over the course of pregnancy and gave birth to lambs which were lighter in bodyweight. Except for crested wheatgrass, all diets were considered adequate for the pregnant ewe. Supplementation of crested wheatgrass with additional protein would be required to achieve adequate dietary protein levels for pregnant ewes.
COMPARISON OF WHEAT CULTIVARS IN DIETS OF DIFFERENT PROTEIN CONTENTS WITH AND WITHOUT SUPPLEMENTAL L-LYSINE FOR BROILER CHICKS
Authors: GARDINER E. E. , McKENZIE HUGH , DUBETZ S.
Published: March 2010

Four experiments were conducted to compare wheat cultivars of wide genetic base in chick diets of different protein contents with and without supplemental L-lysine. In the first experiment, 24 wheat cultivars were compared with corn. The 28-day body weights of chicks fed a 22.0%-protein Neepawa wheat were significantly lower than those fed the other grains. In the second experiment, body weights were significantly higher, and feed-to-gain ratios and mortality significantly lower for chicks fed 22% protein diets than for those fed the 18% diets. In the next two experiments, chicks fed 18 or 22% protein diets supplemented with 0.3% L-lysine had significantly higher body weights and lower feed-to-gain ratios than those fed diets without supplemental L-lysine. In each of the last three experiments, differences among cultivars were significant as were the cultivar × dietary protein level and cultivar × L-lysine interactions. Correlation coefficients between grain protein levels and chick body weights in all diets of different protein content and different L-lysine supplementation revealed that a large proportion of the difference among chick body weights was probably due to the various lysine levels of the diets that resulted from the different proportions of grain and soybean meal in the diets.
EFFECTS OF AGE ON THE ABSORPTION OF FAT BY TURKEYS FED MIXTURES OF BEEF FAT AND RAPESEED OIL
Authors: SALMON R. E.
Published: March 2010

The absorption of Span low erucic acid rapeseed oil (SRO), beef fat (BF) or combinations of these fats totalling 10% of the diet of Small White turkeys has been determined weekly to 6 wk of age. The corrected absorbability of 100, 75, 50, 25, and 0% SRO combined with 0, 25, 50, 75, and 100% BF averaged 96, 95, 90, 82, and 79%. The absorbability of BF and combinations including BF increased with age, most of the increase occurring by 3 wk of age. The unsaturated fatty acids (18:1, 18:2) were highly absorbed, as were the saturated fatty acids (16:0, 18:0) of SRO. The absorbability of 16:0 and 18:0 of BF was low but increased with age. It was concluded that mixtures including 50% or more of low erucic acid rapeseed oil improve the utilization and energy contribution to the diet by BF.
PERFORMANCE AND CARCASS GRADING CHARACTERISTICS OF BROILER CHICKENS FED RAPESEED GUMS
Authors: SUMMERS J. D. , LEESON S.
Published: March 2010

Samples of Western Canadian rapeseed and soybean meals were manufactured to contain 1.5% of rapeseed gum, a by-product of the oil-refining process. Comparable samples containing no added gums were also used. Male broiler chickens housed in floor pens receiving 20% Tower rapeseed meal with no added gums showed a significantly [Formula: see text] smaller liveweight at 49 days of age, compared to birds fed either a degummed soybean meal control diet or a diet containing soybean meal + 1.5% soybean gums. Birds offered the soybean control diet exhibited a significantly [Formula: see text] superior feed intake: body weight gain compared to all other treatments. Carcass grading according to Canada Department of Agriculture standards was not influenced by dietary treatment although birds fed the soybean meal control diet showed a significantly [Formula: see text] lower incidence of breast cysts compared to all other treatments. These results suggest that rapeseed gums per se have no deleterious effect on chicken broiler performance to 49 days of age, when used at an inclusion level of 1.5% of dietary rapeseed meal.
AN AUTOMATED NIPPLE FEEDING SYSTEM FOR ARTIFICIALLY REARING COLOSTRUM-DEPRIVED NEONATAL PIGLETS
Authors: McCALLUM I. M. , OWEN B. D. , FARMER M. J.
Published: March 2010

An automatic feeding nipple device for the artificial rearing of newborn pigs is described. The 16-piglet unit dispenses individual pre-set volumes of liquid diet at pre-set time intervals into reservoirs which are connected to a nipple positioned in each animal compartment. The automatic feeding nipple device proved effective and reliable in the dispensing of experimental diets employed in studies on the efficacy of immunoglobulin-fortified milk replacers for newborn colostrum-deprived pigs.
EFFECTS OF HEAT TREATMENT ON THE NUTRITIVE VALUE OF FABA BEANS (VICIA FABA) FOR BROILER CHICKENS
Authors: SHANNON D. W. F. , CLANDININ D. R.
Published: March 2010

The effects of autoclaving on the composition and nutritive value of a sample of faba beans for growing broilers were studied. Whole beans were heat-treated at 121 C for 0, 15, 30, 45 or 60 min in trial 1 and for 0, 30 or 60 min in trial 2. Heated beans were incorporated at 25% level by replacing soybean meal and ground wheat in control diets containing 20.2 and 17.0% of protein in trials 1 and 2, respectively. Heat treatment for 45 and 60 min resulted in a slight decrease in the protein (N × 6.25), cystine and basic amino acid content of the beans, but increased the metabolizable energy content by about 15% (2.57 vs. 2.20 kcal/g at 90% dry matter). Growth rate, feed intake and feed conversion efficiency were not affected by the presence of faba beans in broiler rations. Although heating the beans marginally improved their nutritive value it may not be economical on a practical basis.
A COMPARISON OF TWO METHODS OF COMBINING ALFALFA CUBES WITH CORN SILAGE FED TO LACTATING COWS
Authors: FISHER L. J.
Published: March 2010

Sixteen Holstein cows in early lactation were assigned to a switch-back experiment consisting of two experimental periods 35 days in length separated by a 7-day changeover period. Treatments consisted of two feeding systems, alfalfa cubes ensiled with corn silage or alfalfa cubes fed with the corn silage. When cows were fed corn–alfalfa cube silage they consumed more forage, 2.26 vs. 2.16% of body weight per cow per day than when they were fed the alfalfa cubes with the silage. Fat-corrected milk yield was somewhat higher, 25.4 vs. 24.0 kg/day; fat percent and fat yield were greater, 3.13 vs. 2.70% and 918 vs. 814 g/day for corn–alfalfa cube silage as compared to cubes added at feeding time. However, milk yield was greater, 29.9 vs. 29.1 kg/day, and milk lactose percent was greater, 5.26 vs. 5.18% for cows fed cubes at feeding time compared to cows fed corn–alfalfa cube silage. There was no difference between feeding systems in blood minerals or metabolites with the exception of plasma urea nitrogen which was higher, 20.2 vs. 17.2 mg %, for the alfalfa cubes fed with the corn silage. Apparent dry matter and protein digestibility for the total ration were 68.1 and 71.6% when corn alfalfa cube silage was fed compared to 65.4 and 68.5% when the cubes were fed with the corn silage (P < 0.05). It was concluded from this study that alfalfa cubes ensiled with corn silage was an effective method of increasing the dry matter and protein content of corn silage and in improving the digestibility of the total ration.
REPRODUCTIVE PERFORMANCE OF GILTS FED RAPESEED MEAL CV. TOWER DURING GESTATION AND LACTATION
Authors: FLIPOT PAUL , DUFOUR J. J.
Published: March 2010

Reproductive traits were studied on 64 gilts averaging 112 kg which were fed diets containing 0 or 10% of cv. Tower rapeseed meal (RSM) when they were diagnosed pregnant. No significant differences in litter size and weight at birth and at weaning were observed (P > 0.05) between gilts fed 0 or 10% RSM. The first postpartum estrus observed after weaning at 28 days and the ovulation rates at first estrus were similar for the two groups. The thyroid weight was not affected by the treatment. Resin sponge intake (a product of T 3 and total serum thyroxine T 4) of labeled 3-5-3′-triiodothyronine (T 3) was lower (P < 0.05) at the 110th day of pregnancy for sows fed 10% RSM. However, at weaning and 3 days after the first postpartum estrus, T 3 test results, T 4 concentrations and free thyroxine index were comparable for sows fed 0 and 10% RSM. Between the three stages studied, only T 3 test results and T 4 concentration varied significantly independently of the feeding regimes.
AVAILABILITY OF PHYTATE PHOSPHORUS TO THE GROWING PIG RECEIVING ISONITROGENOUS DIETS BASED ON WHEAT OR CORN
Authors: PIERCE A. B. , BELL J. M. , OWEN B. D. , DOIGE C. E.
Published: March 2010

A factorial experiment using 48 pigs was designed to measure the availability of natural and purified phytate phosphorus to the growing (11–45 kg) pig. Factors studied included total dietary phosphorus (P) level (0.35, 0.50 or 0.65%), supplemental P source (dicalcium phosphate or calcium phytate), and cereal type (wheat or corn) used to form the base of the diets. All diets contained 0.65% calcium. Apparent P digestibility was significantly better for pigs fed supplemental P as dicalcium phosphate than as calcium phytate at dietary levels of 0.50% total P (33 vs. 19%) or 0.65% total P (43 vs. 20%). Apparent P digestibility averaged 15% with diets containing over 90% of the total P from cereals. Rate of gain and feed efficiency were impaired and bone development (metatarsal weight, percentage ash and femur breaking strength) was reduced and hypophosphataemia occurred in pigs fed diets containing the low level of P (averaging 0.35% total and 0.23% phytate P) or added calcium phytate (averaging 0.50% total and 0.38% phytate P). Responses to added P occurred to a level of 0.50% total P and up to 0.30% phytate P. This level of phytate P is the approximate upper limit normally encountered in cereal-based swine diets containing only plant proteins. It was considered that live performance and skeletal development were of equal value in assessing adequacy of dietary P supply.
APPARENT AVAILABILITIES OF AMINO ACIDS IN CORN, WHEAT AND BARLEY FOR GROWING PIGS
Authors: SAUER W. C. , STOTHERS S. C. , PHILLIPS G. D.
Published: March 2010

The apparent ileal and fecal recoveries of amino acids in corn, wheat and barley were determined with barrows ranging in weight from 50 to 70 kg that were fitted with ileocecal re-entrant cannulas. Average ileal availabilities were 4–7% less than average fecal availabilities in the three cereal grains. Of the indispensable amino acids in the cereal grains, the recoveries of lysine and threonine were approximately equal in being the lowest at the end of the ileum, and they decreased from those in corn, to wheat and to those in barley. The recovery of lysine was the lowest in all cereal grains when determined by the fecal analysis method. The apparent fecal recoveries of amino acids in the cereal grains obtained from cannulated pigs were essentially similar to those obtained from non-cannulated pigs. Apparent ileal and fecal recoveries of amino acids in finely ground and cracked wheat were determined with eight barrows that weighed approximately 75 kg. The ileal recoveries of most amino acids were significantly higher (P <.05) in finely ground than in cracked wheat. On the other hand, differences in amino acid availabilities due to processing of wheat could not be detected by the use of the fecal analysis method.
EFFECT OF 5α-ANDROSTANE-3β, 17β-DIOL ON INDUCING EARLY PUBERTY IN GILTS
Authors: CALLAGHAN B. , KING G. J.
Published: March 2010

Daily injections of either 0, 25 or 50 mg of the steroid hormone 5α-androstane-3β, 17β-diol were given to three groups of Yorkshire gilts from 109 to 180 days of age. The gilts were observed daily for signs of estrous behavior in the presence of a boar. The results indicated no apparent difference between treatment groups in the number of gilts reaching puberty by 180 days of age.
COMPARISON OF LOW GLUCOSINOLATE-LOW ERUCIC ACID RAPESEED MEAL (CV. TOWER), COMMERCIAL RAPESEED MEAL AND SOYBEAN MEAL AS SOURCES OF PROTEIN FOR STARTING, GROWING AND FINISHING PIGS AND YOUNG RATS
Authors: McKINNON P. J. , BOWLAND J. P.
Published: March 2010

Eighty 3- to 4-wk-old crossbred pigs averaging 5.3 kg in weight at allotment were fed experimental diets during starting, growing and finishing phases to compare Tower rapeseed meal (00-RSM) and commercial rapeseed meal (C-RSM) as the sole or partial replacements for soybean meal (SBM). Barley and wheat were the main energy sources with varying amounts of animal tallow to provide isocaloric diets on a digestible energy basis. A 50/50 isonitrogenous combination of 00-RSM + SBM resulted in feed intake, daily gain and feed/gain ratio similar to results with pigs fed SBM as the sole protein supplement during the three phases. Complete substitution of SBM by 00-RSM resulted in reduction (P <.05) of feed intake during the starting phase as well as lower (P <.05) daily gain and inferior (P <.05) feed/gain ratio during the growing phase. Partial substitution of C-RSM for SBM resulted in reduction (P <.05) of feed intake during the starting and finishing phases. Complete replacement of SBM with C-RSM resulted in a depression (P <.05) of daily gain during all three phases of the experiment, inferior feed/gain ratio during the starting and growing phases compared with pigs fed the other four diets and lower (P <.05) feed intake during the starting and finishing phase compared with pigs fed the SBM diet. These findings were confirmed in a rat experiment. Carcass characteristics of pigs were not greatly affected by experimental treatments. A trend of lower digestibility of energy, nitrogen and amino acids was noted by complete replacement of SBM with either source of RSM in the pig and the rat experiments.
SLAUGHTER AND CARCASS CHARACTERISTICS OF CATTALO, HEREFORD, AND 1/4 BRAHMAN–3/4 HEREFORD YEARLINGS
Authors: LAWSON J. E. , KELLER D. G. , PETERS H. F.
Published: March 2010

Slaughter and carcass data were obtained from 60 cattalo that averaged 1/7 bison–6/7 domestic (27 bulls, 33 heifers), 19 Hereford (11 bulls, 8 heifers), and 17 1/4 Brahman–3/4 Hereford (12 bulls, 5 heifers) yearlings. At a constant age, 1/4 Brahman and Hereford exceeded cattalo in growth rate, i.e. slaughter weights were: 1/4 Brahman 381 ± 10 kg, Hereford 376 ± 8 kg, and cattalo 353 ±5 kg. At a constant 24-h cold carcass weight, cattalo exceeded Hereford in carcass length (2.3%). Breed groups did not differ in mean fat thickness over, or area of, the longissimus dorsi, dressing percent, or transit shrink. At a constant carcass weight, the weight of the loin section was similar in all breed groups, but Hereford exceeded cattalo in round weight (2.6%), cattalo surpassed 1/4 Brahman in rib weight (4.3%), and 1/4 Brahman exceeded Hereford in shoulder weight (3.2%). Bison and cattalo were reported to have heavier front than rear quarters. This study suggests that the cattalo were not heavier in the shoulder but were lighter in the round than the Hereford and that the difference basically was in the weight of the hind shank.
AGE AND WEIGHT AT PUBERTY OF CROSSBRED HEIFERS SIRED BY CHAROLAIS, LIMOUSIN, AND SIMMENTAL BULLS
Authors: SWIERSTRA E. E. , RAHNEFELD G. W. , CLIPLEF R. L. , STRAIN J. H.
Published: March 2010

Age and weight at first observed estrus (puberty) were studied in 471 crossbred heifers produced by inseminating Angus, Hereford, and Shorthorn cows with semen from Charolais, Limousin, and Simmental bulls. Heifers were kept in drylots after weaning and gained an average of 0.68 kg/day. Visual observations and vasectomized bulls fitted with marking harnesses were used for estrous detection. At puberty, the median and mean ages were 336 and 342 days, and the median and mean weights 296 and 305 kg. At puberty, Charolais- and Simmental-sired heifers were about 22 days younger (median age; P < 0.01) than Limousin-sired heifers (324 and 326 vs. 347 days, respectively). Charolais-sired heifers were significantly heavier (median weight) than Limousin- and Simmental-sired heifers (306 vs. 294 and 292 kg, respectively). Heifers from Angus and Hereford dams were about 22 days older (P < 0.01) at puberty than heifers from Shorthorn dams (median 347 and 346 vs. 324 days). Heifers with high preweaning growth rates attained puberty at an earlier age (r = −0.24; P < 0.01). Day of birth within the year had a significant effect on age and weight at puberty; i.e., heifers born early in the calving season were older and heavier at puberty. Weight at puberty was associated with weaning weight (r = 0.61; P < 0.01), birth weight (r = 0.41; P < 0.01), and preweaning average daily gain (r = 0.54; P < 0.01). Calves that were heavy at birth tended to be heavy at weaning, and heavy weaning weights, in turn, were associated with heavy weights at puberty. By 15 mo of age, 99% of all heifers were cycling.
PROTEIN REQUIREMENTS OF BEEF COWS FED PELLETED, GROUND OR CHOPPED BARLEY STRAW IN THE WINTER
Authors: WEISENBURGER R. D. , MATHISON G. W.
Published: March 2010

Thirty-six pregnant beef cows, mainly crossbreds and from 2 to 10 yr of age, were individually fed straw-based diets containing pelleted, ground and chopped barley straw and three levels of protein in a 3 × 3 factorial experiment. The mean weight gain during the last 84 days of the feeding period in which diets containing 86% straw were fed was 0.28 kg/day/cow. Protein content of the diet significantly affected weight gain (P < 0.05) which increased from 0.18 to 0.37 kg daily when the crude protein content increased from 5.7 to 6.6% (dry matter basis). Cows gained weight more rapidly (P < 0.05) on the pelleted diets although feed intakes were more variable. There were no significant differences in daily feed intakes between diets, the mean being 9.9 kg. Type of diet did not significantly affect calf birth weight or plasma non-esterified fatty acid levels. Low plasma urea nitrogen levels in cows given the low protein diets indicated a protein deficiency.
ESTIMATION OF WHOLESALE CUTS AND SEPARABLE LEAN OF CARCASSES FROM HOLSTEIN-FRIESIAN BULLS AND STEERS FED TO A CONSTANT FINISH
Authors: NTUNDE B. N. , USBORNE W. R. , ASHTON G. C.
Published: March 2010

The left sides of Holstein bull and steer carcasses varying from 173 to 299 kg and finished to an average live backfat thickness of 0.76 cm were used in this study. Simple and multiple regression equations were generated for estimating the trimmed wholesale cuts and separable lean. It was found that weights were more precisely predicted than percentages. Although the longissimus was a more precise predictor than any of the other muscles, all muscle areas were poor contributors in the predictions. Backfat thickness was also a low precision predictor, especially of weights. Hot carcass weight, however, was such a useful predictor of weights that its sole effect was not significantly improved by the inclusion of any or all of the other predictors. It nevertheless gave very low precision in predicting percentages. Some selected estimation equations are recommended provided that the conditions of this study are maintained with regard to body finish and carcass weight. The advantage of using these equations is that hot carcass weight is readily obtainable.
APPARENT AND TRUE AVAILABILITIES OF AMINO ACIDS IN WHEAT AND MILLING BY-PRODUCTS FOR GROWING PIGS
Authors: SAUER W. C. , STOTHERS S. C. , PARKER R. J.
Published: March 2010

The apparent availabilities of amino acids measured by the ileal and fecal analysis methods, in wheat, flour and a diet consisting of 45% bran, 45% shorts and 10% middlings (wheat offal), and the metabolic ileal and fecal amino acid levels from protein-free diets containing 5, 10 or 15% alphafloc were determined with barrows ranging in weight from 45 to 70 kg. Availabilities of amino acids, by either method of determination, declined from the flour to the whole wheat to the wheat offal diets for all except arginine by the ileal method. Overall, availability as determined by the fecal method was higher than by the ileal method, and in the majority of comparisons the difference was significant. Lysine and threonine were the least available of the indispensable amino acids by either method of determination. However, because of their relatively large disappearance in the large intestine, the availabilities of threonine in all diets tested and of lysine in wheat offal may not be accurately determined by the fecal analysis method. As the level of alphafloc in the protein-free diets was increased, ileal and fecal amino acid levels, expressed as grams per kilogram dry matter intake, increased. The metabolic amino acid levels were found to increase for isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine and aspartic acid and to decrease for glycine and proline between the end of the ileum and feces.
PREGNANCIES FOLLOWING LONG DISTANCE TRANSPORT AND TRANSFER OF FROZEN BOVINE EMBRYOS
Authors: SHEA B. F. , OLLIS G. W. , JACOBSON M. E.
Published: March 2010

Sixteen bovine embryos recovered from superovulated donors 7 days following estrus were frozen, placed in liquid nitrogen and shipped from Calgary to Costa Rica. When thawed and transferred to synchronized recipients, four produced pregnancies demonstrating that bovine embryos can be stored for lengthy periods, shipped internationally and implanted with success.
CHANGES IN SERUM LEVELS OF LH AND FSH IN PROGESTERONE-TREATED OVARIECTOMIZED EWES FOLLOWING A SINGLE INJECTION OF ESTROGEN
Authors: HOWLAND B. E. , SANFORD L. M. , PALMER W. M.
Published: March 2010

The effect of dose and duration of progesterone treatment on estrogen-induced LH and FSH release was studied in ovariectomized ewes. In each of two years, groups of ewes were injected with 5 or 10 mg progesterone daily for 4 or 10 days before an injection of 1 mg estradiol-17β. Experiments were conducted in early July (year 1) or mid-August (year 2). Jugular blood was collected immediately before and hourly from 14 to 30-h after estrogen injection. Serum hormone levels were determined by radioimmunoassay. Combined data from the two years showed that an LH release occurred in four of five ewes treated with 5 mg progesterone for either 4 or 10 days, five of five ewes treated with 10 mg progesterone for 4 days but only one of five ewes treated with 10 mg progesterone for 10 days. The onset of estrus and the rise in LH both tended to occur earlier after estrogen treatment in year 2 than in year 1, suggesting an effect of season. Only one ewe showed a simultaneous release of LH and FSH; in the remainder, the levels of FSH declined after estrogen injection and remained depressed throughout the sampling period. Mean FSH levels tended to be higher in ewes receiving 10 mg progesterone than in ewes receiving 5 mg progesterone in year 2, but the reverse tended to occur in year 1 (progesterone dose × year, P <.05). The results suggest that a 10-day treatment with a moderate dose of progesterone can reduce the incidence of LH release induced by a high dose of estrogen and that the estrogen-induced LH release in progesterone-treated ovariectomized ewes is usually not accompanied by a release of FSH.
A COMPARISON OF UREA AND ALFALFA CUBES AS A SOURCE OF PROTEIN ENSILED WITH CORN SILAGE
Authors: FISHER L. J.
Published: March 2010

Sixteen Holstein cows in mid-lactation were randomly assigned for a 35-day period to either corn silage supplemented with urea (4.95 kg/tonne) or corn silage supplemented with alfalfa cubes (90 kg/tonne) at ensiling time. These treatments were then reversed during a 7-day changeover period and the trial continued for a further 35 days. The silages were fed ad libitum and grain was fed in the parlor at the rate of 1.0 kg/4.0 kg milk yield. The protein and acid detergent fiber contents of the urea–corn silage were 11.6 and 25.3%, while those of alfalfa–corn silage were 11.1 and 28.6%. Cows offered the urea–corn silage consumed less forage dry matter expressed as percent of body weight, 2.04 vs. 2.11 and produced less milk, 26.08 vs. 26.86 kg/day (P < 0.05). During the feeding of the alfalfa cube–corn silage, cows gained an average of 4.09 kg/35 days, but lost 3.68 kg/35 days when urea–corn silage was fed (P < 0.05). There was no effect of form of nitrogen supplementation on milk composition or rumen volatile fatty acids, but blood urea nitrogen and plasma glucose were significantly higher (P < 0.05) and plasma calcium lower for cows fed urea–corn silage than for those fed alfalfa cube–corn silage. Apparent dry matter and protein digestibilities were higher for the urea–corn silage than for cows fed alfalfa cube–corn silage but digestibility of acid detergent fiber fraction was greater for cows fed alfalfa cube–corn silage.
UREA AS A SUPPLEMENTAL NITROGEN SOURCE FOR LACTATING COWS
Authors: ERFLE J. D. , MAHADEVAN S. , SAUER F. D.
Published: March 2010

Fifteen Holstein cows in early lactation were allocated to three groups for a 17-wk period. During a 4-wk preliminary period, all cows received a soybean meal concentrate to give a total average ration crude protein of 15%. In the next 4 wk, cows were gradually adapted to zero (ZU), low (LU), and high (HU) urea-containing rations. Based on total intake, cows consumed rations with 9, 11 and 12% crude protein. Depressed concentrate intake in the HU group due to decreased palatability limited total crude protein intake of that group to 12%. Milk yield was not stimulated by increasing dietary crude protein from 9 to 11 or 12% with urea. The percent milk persistency was not maintained by urea feeding when compared to persistency in the previous lactation at which time all cows received a 13% crude protein diet. Nitrogen balance for cows in ZU, LU and HU groups was −11.9, 13.3 and −3.6 g/day, respectively. The inclusion of urea in the ration increased ruminal NH3-N (mg/100 ml) from 1.32 for the ZU group to 3.94 and 5.78 for the LU and HU groups. Rumen microbial numbers (measured by DNA concentration) were decreased in all three groups when intact protein was removed from the ration. The sum of the plasma concentrations of histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, threonine and valine were significantly decreased in cows fed the high urea-containing ration.
THE DENSITY OF BOVINE LIMB BONES
Authors: JONES S. D. M. , PRICE M. A. , BERG R. T.
Published: March 2010

The effects of breed–type, sex and age on the density of four bovine limb bones were studied. The density of the four limb bones increased significantly with age, but the effects of breed–type and sex were variable. The results are discussed with reference to the densiometric method of predicting carcass fatness.
REPRODUCTIVE PERFORMANCE OF SOWS FED LOW GLUCOSINOLATE (TOWER) RAPESEED MEAL
Authors: LEWIS A. J. , AHERNE F. X. , HARDIN R. T.
Published: March 2010

Seventy-two crossbred gilts were used in an experiment to evaluate low glucosinolate rapeseed meal (RSM), derived from the cultivar Tower, as a partial or complete replacement for soybean meal (SBM) in diets for gilts from 20 kg liveweight through two gestation and lactation periods. The supplementary protein sources for the three dietary treatments were: (1) SBM; (2) a 50:50 mixture (on an isonitrogenous basis) of SBM and Tower RSM: and (3) Tower RSM. The gilts were fed diets containing 17% protein from 20 to 60 kg, and diets containing 15% protein from 60 kg until the end of the second lactation. Fifty-one animals completed two reproductive cycles. There were no significant differences in litter size and weight at birth or weaning, sow weight changes in gestation or lactation, or gestation length in either the first or second parity. The results indicate that Tower RSM (containing 0.98 mg/g total glucosinolates) may be used as a partial or complete replacement for SBM in the diets of pregnant and lactating swine for at least two reproductive cycles with no apparent reduction in sow reproductive performance.
CHICK EMBRYONIC DEVELOPMENT AS INFLUENCED BY IN OVO INJECTED SELENIUM
Authors: FITZSIMMONS R. C. , PHALARAKSH K.
Published: March 2010

Fresh fertile eggs were injected with four levels of selenium (as sodium selenite) into the air cell and examined after various times of incubation. The treatment effects on embryo morphology, stage of embryo mortality and body weight are reported. The correlation between wet weight vs. dry weight and protein nitrogen was 0.99 and 0.94, respectively, for the 2- to 5-day incubation period. The coefficient of correlation for wet weight vs. dry weight from 6 to 18 days of incubation was also very high (r = 0.97). The four selenium (Se) treatment levels (0.15, 0.30, 0.45, and 0.60 ppm of added Se per embryo) resulted in a significant depression of embryo wet weights at 3 and 4 days of incubation but not at 2 days. There was no treatment effect on male and female embryo wet weights from 6 to 18 days of incubation. Furthermore, there was no significant differences between male and female wet weights during this latter period. The embryo mortality resulting from the above Se treatments was 16.2, 15.1, 28.2 and 29.0%, respectively (control mortality was 8.2%), and 99% of these embryos did not develop beyond the 6-day stage. No morphological abnormalities were observed from the Se treatments.
EVALUATION OF LOW ERUCIC ACID RAPESEED OIL FED TO MONKEYS: CARDIAC LIPIDS, HISTOCHEMISTRY AND PATHOLOGY
Authors: KRAMER J. K. G. , HULAN H. W. , PROCTER B. G. , RONA G. , MANDAVIA M. G.
Published: March 2010

Male and female cynomolgus monkeys (Macaca fascicularis), equally divided as to sex, were fed, up to 24 wk, diets which contained 20% by weight of either soybean oil or Brassica napus cv. Tower rapeseed oil which contained 0.2% erucic acid. Long-chain monoenes appeared to accumulate in the cardiac lipids of both sexes fed Tower rapeseed oil. Histochemical studies suggested no myocardial damage associated with the feeding of either diet. Histopathological examination of the hearts of monkeys fed the two diets showed that only two male monkeys fed soybean oil for 24 wk had myocardial lesions, and these were multiple small foci of mononuclear cells. The results indicate that Tower rapeseed oil is indistinguishable from soybean oil in its nutritional and pathological properties.
LARGE TURKEY COMMERCIAL STRAIN COMPARISONS OF PERFORMANCE, CARCASS QUALITY AND MEAT YIELD DURING 1969 AND 1977
Authors: MORAN Jr. E. T. , LEESON S. , SUMMERS J. D.
Published: March 2010

During 1969 and 1977, two commercial strains of large turkey common to Ontario for each year were characterized with respect to performance and various aspects of carcass quality and yield. Feeds, facilities and procedures employed were comparable between the 2 yr. In compliance with commercial practice, toms were slaughtered at 24 and hens at 22 wk of age in 1969, while in 1977 marketing was 3 wk earlier. A comparison of final body weight between 2 test yr showed them to be similar, as was carcass quality with respect to conformation, and breast and back finish. Fleshing was less in 1977 relative to 1969; however, no differences were apparent for carcass yield or the proportion of the various commercial cuts. There was no indication of any difference in the utilization of feed calories or protein between the 2 test yr in favor of earlier marketing. Within each test year, both strains exhibited significant differences in certain aspects of performance during the earlier phases of growth but had comparable body weights, respective of sex, at slaughter. During 1969, one strain had a better fleshing assessment than the other; however, both remained largely within the grade A category and no statistically significant differences in the various aspects of yield appeared. In 1977, the separation of fleshing grade between the test strains was greater and alterations in the percentage of breast and its meat content were detected. The ability to detect strain effects for carcass quality and yields more easily during 1977 than in 1969 was attributed largely to differing degrees of sexual maturity. The absence of overt carcass differences between the two test years, conversely, was rationalized on the basis of a relative similarity in stage of development.
A COMPARISON OF SUPPLEMENTAL FORMS OF PHOSPHORUS
Authors: FISHER L. J.
Published: March 2010

Four yearling Holsteins were utilized in a 4 × 4 latin square designed experiment to assess the availability of phosphorus in four chemical forms: dicalcium phosphate; monocalcium phosphate; monoammonium phosphate and monosodium phosphate. The chemical form of supplement had no apparent effect on plasma levels of phosphorus, calcium or magnesium or on the fecal excretion of phosphorus. Dry matter intake and digestibility of dry matter were not influenced by chemical form of supplement but digestibility of the acid detergent fiber fraction was higher, 59.2 vs. 56.5, for monosodium phosphate compared with monoammonium phosphate. The molar proportion of propionate in the rumen fluid was significantly greater (P < 0.05) when monosodium phosphate was fed compared with the feeding of either monocalcium phosphate or monoammonium phosphate. Under the conditions of this experiment it was concluded that there were no differences in availability of phosphorus among the four chemical forms studied.
GROWTH AND DIGESTIBILITY STUDIES WITH GROWING–FINISHING PIGS RECEIVING WHOLE BARLEY OR GROUND BARLEY BY VARIOUS FEEDING METHODS
Authors: BEAMES R. M. , NGWIRA T. N.
Published: March 2010

Two growth trials and one digestibility trial with growing–finishing pigs are reported. In each growth trial, three groups of six barrows and three groups of six gilts were placed on each of the four dietary treatments of barley plus 15% soybean meal from approx. 23 kg body weight to approx. 84 kg body weight. The four treatments consisted of providing barley whole or ground, with the concentrates either mixed with the barley or supplied 6 h after the meal of barley. The feed allowance was slightly greater in the second trial than in the first. In the digestibility trial there were two sources of barley, each presented in three forms: whole, rehydrated acid-preserved whole, and ground, all mixed with the concentrates. Each diet was supplied at a restricted level or ad libitum to barrows at 28.9 kg and 57.0 kg mean body weight. In neither growth trial was there a significant effect of method of providing the ground barley on performance. With whole barley, feed efficiency was significantly inferior to that obtained with ground barley, being 20–37% lower when whole grain and concentrates were mixed, but only 5–16% lower when the whole grain and concentrates were provided separately. The digestibility trial indicated no differences between the two forms of whole grain, but a superior utilization of the ground grain. Dry matter digestibility of both forms of whole grain was significantly greater in the younger pigs than in the older pigs, increasing from 63.0 to 71.1% for the whole grain, and from 62.3 to 73.2% for the rehydrated acid-preserved whole grain. Dry matter digestibility of ground grain averaged 77.6% and was not affected by age of pig, but was significantly reduced by ad libitum feeding.
THE INTERRELATED EFFECTS OF FEEDING DIET COMBINATIONS WITH DIFFERENT PROTEIN AND ENERGY LEVELS TO MALES AND FEMALES OF COMMERCIAL BROILER GENOTYPES
Authors: PROUDFOOT F. G. , HULAN H. W.
Published: March 2010

Two nutritional experiments were conducted involving 6,000 broiler chickens using diets with protein ranging from 14.1 to 26.0%, and metabolizable energy from 2,976 to 3,265 kcal/kg. These diets were used in different combinations to evaluate the genotypic response and their effects on the performance of male and female broiler chickens. Diet × sex interactions were demonstrated. These interactions, however, were not demonstrated in the practical dietary regimens. Genotype × diet interactions were estimated in experiment 1 only and were found to be of no importance. The dietary combinations that supported performance equal to or better than other dietary regimens for either males or females consisted of a starter diet with 24% protein and 2,976 kcal/kg coupled with a finisher diet with 15.9% protein and 3,175 kcal/kg.
METABOLIZABLE ENERGY CONTENT OF TOWER AND CANDLE RAPESEEDS AND RAPESEED MEALS DETERMINED IN TWO LABORATORIES
Authors: MUZTAR A. JABBAR , SLINGER S. J. , LIKUSKI H. J.
Published: March 2010

True metabolizable energy (TME) of soybean meal and rapeseed products was determined in two laboratories by feeding the ingredients singly or mixed with a basal diet. Apparent metabolizable energy (AME) was also determined on the same samples and the values compared with TME. TME results between the two laboratories agreed well for the soybean meal and rapeseed meals obtained either by feeding the ingredients alone or with the assay diet, but with whole rapeseeds there was wide disagreement. This was due to poor and variable utilization of the whole seeds by birds in the two laboratories. AME values for the whole rapeseeds were considerably lower than expected, but the values for the rapeseed meals were as anticipated. Grinding significantly (P < 0.01) increased the AME of Tower and Candle rapeseed and the TME of Candle rapeseed. Tower and Candle rapeseed meals did not differ significantly in TME or AME; nor were there differences in the ground seed of the two cultivars.
STEAM TREATMENT OF ASPEN POPLAR TO INCREASE DIGESTIBILITY FOR RUMINANTS
Authors: MATHEWS J. F. , PEPPER J. M.
Published: March 2010

The effects of time and temperature on the in vitro digestibility of steamed aspen wood have been studied. A short (5 min) reaction time at 190 °C was found to yield a product without weight loss, and of high (~56% digestible dry matter) digestibility. Longer times led to loss of pentosans and increased free acid content.
IRON, MANGANESE, COPPER, ZINC AND SELENIUM CONCENTRATIONS IN ALBERTA GRAINS AND ROUGHAGES
Authors: REDSHAW E. S. , MARTIN P. J. , LAVERTY D. H.
Published: March 2010

Samples of barley, oat and wheat grain, barley, oat, barley–oat, grass, legume and grass–legume roughage grown throughout Alberta were analyzed for Fe, Mn, Cu and Zn concentrations. In addition, the barley grain and grass–legume roughage samples were analyzed for Se concentrations. The various element concentrations were compared with Agricultural Research Council and National Academy of Sciences–National Research Council minimum requirements for cattle. The geographic distribution of these concentrations within Alberta was also examined. The mean Fe concentrations for all feeds were well above the suggested minimum requirement of 30 ppm. On the other hand, the mean Zn concentrations for all feeds were below the suggested minimum requirement of 50 ppm. Mean Mn concentrations of barley grain, barley roughage and legume roughage were less than the suggested minimum requirement of 40 ppm. Wheat grain was the only feed showing a mean Cu concentration of less than the suggested minimum requirement of 10 ppm. Mean Se concentrations of barley grain and grass–legume roughage were above the suggested minimum requirement of 100 ppb. With the exception of Se in barley grain there were no geographic differences in elements evident within Alberta. Selenium in barley grain showed highest concentrations in the south and southeast of the Province with greater occurrence of low concentrations towards the west, north and northwest.
CULTIVAR AND GROWING LOCATION DIFFERENCES ON THE SINAPINE CONTENT OF RAPESEED
Authors: MUELLER M. M. , RYL ELAINE B. , FENTON T. , CLANDININ D. R.
Published: March 2010

Thirty-two samples of rapeseed consisting of eight cultivars (four Brassica napus and four Brassica campestris) grown at four different locations in Western Canada were used to study the effect of cultivar and growing location on the sinapine content of the seed. The results indicated that across location, the B. napus were significantly higher (P < 0.01) in sinapine than the B. campestris cultivars and the R-500 seed was lowest in sinapine content while the Midas seed was highest. While growing location had significant effects on the sinapine content of individual cultivars, no overall significant location effect was observed. The findings suggest that it might be possible, by selection, to develop varieties of rapeseed that are low in sinapine.