bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Adrenal cortex activity, reproduction and welfare of pregnant gilts in a group housing system
Authors: Mendl M.T. , Broom D.M. , Zanella A.J.
Published: June 2019

On many farms in Britain, the housing of pregnant sows in groups, principally in electronic sow feeder systems, is becoming an increasingly popular alternative to housing them individually in stalls or tethers. When sows are housed in large groups, particularly in "dynamic groups" where individuals are continually leaving the group to farrow and re-joining it after lactation, aggression between group members may become a problem. Aggression may give rise to social stress and injuries and may also have detrimental effects on production. In order to ensure good welfare and high production in group housing systems, it is essential to gain some fundamental knowledge as to how individual sows are affected by the social environment in which they live. This paper examines how a group of gilts responded to being introduced into an electronic sow feeder system and mixed with unfamiliar animals. Detailed data on behaviour, physiology and reproduction were collected for each individual in the group /in an attempt to examine whether the way in which individuals responded to the social environment had consequences for measures of their welfare and productivity.
Evaluation of the behaviour of mature boars housed in groups of four
Authors: Jose Cordoba-Dominguez  , Dunne J H , Cliff A H , Macpherson O , Menaya C M , Vidal J M A , English P R
Published: June 2019

It is traditional in the British Isles to house the working boar as an individual and this practice was the sensible policy when breeding pig herds were small and replacement boars were purchased singly. However in large herds today several boars are often purchased simultaneously, creating the possibility for group housing during their working life. Important beneficial effects of social contact of young boars up to puberty in terms of sexual behaviour and socialisation have been demonstrated. D'Arcy (1984) found that boars penned singly relative to those in groups of 8 from 30 to 240 kg liveweight took 11 days longer to first successful mount and ejaculation, had a higher number of incorrect mounts and did much more fighting with oestrus gilts. Thus group housed boars were less aggressive to oestrus gilts, had better mating dexterity and had higher mating scores at an earlier age. In addition there may be benefits in terms of comfort and welfare including leg soundness in boars by group relative to individual housing (Tonn et al, 1985; Hemsworth and Findlay, 1978) because of the increased exercise in a group due to the larger area to move in the physical interactions occurring within the group. However, there are concerns about aggressive and sodomy behaviour of mature boars kept in groups as well as the possiblitiy of increased handling difficulties. These latter aspects were studied in group housed boars in this investigation.
A Survey of the concentration of ammonia recorded in pig housing in England
Authors: Williams P.E.V. , Fitt T.J.
Published: June 2019

In animal housing ammonia is an aerial pollutant resulting from the microbial conversion of nitrogenous materials excreted in faeces and urine. Ammonia is an irritant to cells lining the respiratory tract and an increased incidence of pneumonia in pigs and humans and atrophic rhinitis in pigs have been correlated with elevated ammonia levels. In a survey of 12 farms and 49 pig buildings concentration of ammonia was identified specifically as a causative agent in the aetiology of atrophic rhinitis (Robertson, Wilson and Smith 1990). Furthermore, high levels of ammonia can delay the onset of puberty in gilts perhaps as a result of the masking of boar odour (Malayer, Brandt, Green, Kelly, Sutton and Diekman 1988).

Regulations have been introduced (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH)) limiting the exposure of humans to atmospheric ammonia to a mean level of 25 ppm over an 8h work shift and 35 ppm for 10 minute exposure. As part of a study on the effectiveness of a feed additive formulated to control atmospheric ammonia, levels of ammonia in pig housing were monitored.
An assessment of the stress associated with slaughter in sheep
Authors: Anil M.H. , Preston J. , Warriss P.D. , Rodway R.G.
Published: June 2019

The Slaughter of Animals (Humane conditions) Act 1990 prohibits killing animals within sight of another. There is a need to produce scientific evidence to show whether the sight of sticking (exsanguination) is stressful to animals that happen to observe this procedure. This has important consequences on the design of stunning and sticking areas in the abattoir. Sticking in a separate are can lead to a delay between stunning and sticking and increase the chance of animals regaining consciousness.

In this study experiments were carried out to determine whether sheep did responded in a way which could suggest they found the experience of witnessing sticking distressing.
Home Wintering systems for replacement ewe lambs
Authors: Mitchell Linda M , King Margaret E
Published: June 2019

Ovine enzootic abortion (EAE) is of major concern to sheep producers. Various schemes are currently in existence for its eradication, all based on an initial two year monitoring period during which a predetermined number of ewes in each participating flock are blood tested at strategic points in the annual cycle of production for determination of EAE antibody titres. The risk of introducing EAE is primarily dependent on flock replacement policy. Using home-bred replacement ewe lambs and wintering them on the farm of origin eliminates the risk of introducing EAE.

The objective of the present study was to evaluate various home wintering systems in terms of their cost effectiveness and compatibility with other farm enterprises.
Performance of a summer lambing flock grazing clover rich swards maintained at two sward surface heights
Authors: Mitchell Linda M , King Margaret E , Mackie C.K.
Published: June 2019

There is increasing interest in the development of later lambing systems for crossbred ewes which more closely match ewe nutritional requirements with grass growth (Stone, 1988). Lambing a proportion of the flock during summer potentially ensures a better continuity of lamb supply but the superior growth rate of summer born lambs dictates that finishing is not delayed to as great an extent as would be predicted from lambing date. The objective of the present study was to determine whether it is possible to alter lamb growth by controlling herbage availability without detriment to ewe body condition.

The liveweight change of sixty four Mule ewes and their summer (24th May) born twin lambs was evaluated when grazing unfertilised clover rich swards maintained at a sward surface height (SSH) of 4-6cm (Treatment A) or rising from 4-6 to 6-8cm (Treatment B). Grazing treatments were duplicated with equal numbers of animals per treatment and commenced on 19/6/90 (day 0). Throughout the grazing period SSH was monitored twice weekly using a sward stick and was maintained within the target ranges by movable electric fencing. Samples for determination of herbage mass and botanical composition were obtained at monthly intervals. Lambs were weighed fortnightly, ewes were weighed and condition scored monthly until weaning on 28/8/90 (day 70).
Integration of sheep with dairy cows in a leader-follower system
Authors: Swift G , McClelland T H , Scott N A , Hodgson-Jones L S , FitzSimons J
Published: June 2019

In a rotational grazing system for dairy cows, to achieve maximum yield/cow, optimum post grazing stubble height of between 8-10 cm is recommended. At this mean height, however, selective patchy grazing and excessive stem production occurs, particularly around dung patches. Sward deterioration gets progressively worse as the grazing season progresses, resulting in a decline in pasture utilisation and output. An alternative to topping to improve sward structure is a leader-follower system with sheep, as tested In Ireland (O'Riordan, 1989). A pilot investigation was carried out in 1989 and a more detailed evaluation of the technique was made in 1990. Results for 1990 are reported in this paper.

A high yielding herd of 114 Holstein/Friesians (herd average 7200 l), in a genetic selection programme at the University of Edinburgh's Langhill Farm, were turned out on 3 May 1990. The cows rotationally grazed 2-3 ha paddocks for 3-4 days. Speed of rotation was determined by herbage availability and daily milk production, every effort being made to ensure that herbage intake to the dairy cows was never limiting.
Long-term changes in rumen fermentation in defaunated sheep
Authors: Frumholtz P.P. , Wallace R.J. , Newbold C.J. , Ørskov E.R.
Published: June 2019

The removal of ciliate protozoa, or defaunation, results in the establishment of a new ecosystem in the rumen, consisting only of bacteria and fungi. Although extensive research has been done on ciliate-free ruminants, the role of protozoa in the rumen still provokes considerable debate. The diversity of experimental design, such as animal species, defaunation method, and diet could account for many of the differences observed between defaunation studies. Also it is important to examine the stability of the ciliate-free ecosystem. The aim of this study was to investigate changes in rumen fermentation of ciliate-free sheep over a period of one year.

Eight male castrated sheep, weighing 60-70 kg, received twice daily 700 g of a diet of hay, barley, molasses, fish meal and vitamins/minerals (500, 299.5, 100, 91 and 9.5 g/kg DM respectively). Four sheep were defaunated by the rumen washing technique (Jouany and Senaud, 1979) and kept in isolated pens while the other four were left faunated with a mixed type A ciliate protozoa population. Rumen samples were withdrawn via the rumen cannula and blood samples were taken from the jugular vein -1, 0, 1, 2, 4 and 6 h after feeding. There were three sampling periods: one month, six months and one year after defaunation.
Comparative performance of white clover and perennial ryegrass swards for finishing store lambs
Authors: Davies O D , Howard D W
Published: June 2019

Environmental pressures on the agricultural industry to reduce the use of nitrogenous fertilizer, coupled with improvements in varieties now available, have heightened interest in the use of white clover on livestock farms in the United Kingdom. Furthermore white clover is nutritionally superior to ryegrass, particularly in its protein content. Store lambs require a high quality feed so that they grow well and achieve the desired amount of carcass finish. In this investigation the performance and subsequent carcass characteristics of store lambs finished on white clover or perennial ryegrass swards are compared.

During the autumn of 1989, eighty four Texel x Welsh Mule wether lambs were divided into 4 balanced groups. Each group was penned into 0.65 ha paddocks of either white clover (C) or perennial ryegrass (PRG) swards to give two groups of twenty four lambs per sward type.

The clover sward (3 ha field) was sown on 3 August 1983 with 6.85 kg/ha of an equal mixture by weight of Nesta (large leafed variety) and Menna (intermediate variety). Three silage cuts had been taken during the 1989 season totalling 7.2 tonnes DM/ha, the third cut being taken on 19 September.
The effect of calcium hydroxide treatment of spent grains on their digestion and utilisation by finishing lambs
Authors: Barker J.E. , Offer N.W.
Published: June 2019

The use of malt distillers grains (draff) in ruminant diets is limited both by its moderate digestibility and variable intake. This is due to the low digestibility of its fibre and to the inhibitory effects of its unsaturated oil on rumen cellulolysis. Treatment of draff with Ca(OH)2 may ameliorate these limitations in two ways. Firstly, alkali treatment increases fibre digestibility due to hydrolysis of lignocellulosic linkages. Secondly, under alkaline conditions and in the presence of calcium ions, the unsaturated fatty acids of the draff oil form insoluble calcium soaps, thus reducing their inhibitory effects on rumen function.

Thirty Blackface-cross lambs were allocated by sex and weight to three groups of ten. The animals were penned in pairs and were offered hay ad libitum and supplemented with 350g DM/d of either mineralised draff (MD), limed draff (LD - draff treated with 80g Ca(OH)2 /kg DM, held at 60°C for 18 hours and then dried at 60°C), or a proprietary lamb finishing concentrate (C - Premium Sheep Fattening Pellets, Carrs Farm Foods, Solway Mills, Silloth). The supplements were gradually increased to 1200g DM/d over 60 days. Dry matter intakes of hay and supplements were measured daily and animals were weighed weekly. The lambs were condition scored ‘blind’ on day 60 and were assessed for slaughter.
The effect of sugar beet pulp and rolled barley as absorbents on effluent production, silage fermentation and animal performance
Authors: Johnson P N
Published: June 2019

Silage effluent represents a potential pollutant and a loss of ensiled nutrients. An absorbent provides the possibility of absorbing effluent, aiding fermentation and increasing the feeding value of the silage. Sugar beet pulp (SBP) nuts and rolled barley (RB) were evaluated as absorbents with direct cut grass silage.

Perennial ryegrass swards of 222 g/kg average dry matter were direct cut between 10 and 12 July 1989. Grass was ensiled with the following rates of absorbent per tonne of fresh material:

1.

20 kg SBP (S20).

2.

40 kg SBP (S40).

3.

40 kg RB (B40).

4.

Untreated (U).

Production of silage effluent was measured with a tippler mechanism attached to an electronic logger and recorded daily until 22 September. The silages were individually fed through Calan Broadbent doors to 48 x 12 month old Friesian steers between 24 October and 19 December.
An investigation of factors influencing nutrient loss from absorbent materials during ensiling
Authors: Ferris C P , Mayne C S
Published: June 2019

Including dry feed materials (absorbents) with grass at ensiling has been shown to reduce effluent output and improve silage fermentation (Offer and Al-Rwidah, 1989) although the effects of this practice on animal performance have been somewhat variable (Ferris and Mayne, 1990; Jones, Jones and Moseley, 1990). However little is known about the fate of these absorbents during ensilage or the effects of ensiling upon their chemical composition. The aim of this investigation, which was part of a large scale dairy cow production study was to examine the nutrient recovery and compositional changes occurring with unmolassed sugar-beet pulp (SBP) when ensiled with grass at three levels of inclusion.
The value of white clover in grass/clover silage when fed to dairy cows
Authors: Davies O D
Published: June 2019

Environmental pressures on the agricultural industry to reduce the use of nitrogenous fertilizer, coupled with the improvement and availability of varieties have led to renewed interest in white clover for dairy systems in the UK. In addition clover has nutritional merit as a supplement to grass which can lead to increased forage intakes and improved subsequent animal performance. In this experiment two silages of perennial ryegrass and white clover Here fed to autumn calving dairy cows in varying ratios to evaluate white clover as a forage supplement for cows fed low levels of compound.
Milk production of summer calving dairy cows from grass alone compared to low rate concentrate feeding during the grazing period
Authors: Rawlings P J K
Published: June 2019

A majority of cows calve during the autumn months, resulting in a deficit in milk supplies to creameries during late summer and a surplus in winter. To improve the efficient and economical working of creameries the Milk Marketing Board has revised its strategy of manipulating the seasonal milk price to encourage the movement of 200,000 calvings within three years to the summer months (late May to July). From 1989, the first year of the new strategy, there has been a 21-30% increase in the price of milk delivered during July to October; providing a considerable incentive to produce more milk during this period with potentially higher financial returns from summer compared to autumn calving herds.
Soya oil in diet for growing fattening bulls : effects on animal performance and fatty acid composition
Authors: Clinquart A. , Istasse L. , Van Eenaeme C. , I.Dufrasne  , Hollo V. , Bienfait J.M.
Published: June 2019

Soya oil at an inclusion rate of 33 g/kg in a concentrate diet for growing-fattening bulls tended to increase the production of volatile fatty acids and the dry matter disappearance from nylon bags incubated in the rumen. It also slightly improved apparent digestibility of dry matter, organic matter and fiber and significantly increased the ether extract digestibility (Clinquart, Van Eenaeme, Istasse, Neirinck, Midy and Bienfait, 1991). It was therefore interesting to assess the effects of soya oil supplementation on animal performance. The linoleic acid content of soya oil is about 0.50. Such fat could be used to increase the unsaturated fatty acid proportion in order to produce a more dietetic fat.
The use of cytosine as a marker to estimate microbial protein synthesis in the rumen
Authors: Sinclair L.A. , Garnsworthy P.C. , Buttery P.J.
Published: June 2019

Recently methods based upon the HPLC separation and detection of cytosine (Koenig 1980) and the spectrophotometric analysis of the total purine content of microbes (Zinn and Owens 1986) have been proposed to estimate microbial nitrogen flow at the duodenum. Little work has been undertaken in-vivo to evaluate cytosine as a marker and to compare it with current techniques. The present trial was designed to evaluate this marker and to compare it with diaminopimelic acid (DAPA), [3H]leucine and the total purine technique. In addition, recent reports (Hvelpund and Madsen 1985) have indicated that expressing miaobial efficiency in terms of carbohdrate, as opposed to organic matter degraded in the rumen, reduced the variation in microbial yield. This was also investigated.
Rate of passage calculations based on marker or rumen evacuation technique
Authors: Kukkonen U. , Huhtanen P.
Published: June 2019

The clearance rate of digesta from the reticulo-rumen may limit feed intake and thus production in ruminants. The longer the retention time in the rumen the better the cell wall carbohydrates are digested. However, a fast rate of passage of indigestible feed particles to the lower digestive tract is essential for maximal feed intake. The feeding level, type of diet and the physical characteristics of the feed particles affect the rate of passage from the rumen. The rate of passage has mostly been determined by external marker techniques. Because of physico-chemical characteristics these markers do not always accurately represent the behaviour of feed.particles. An alternative method, the rumen evacuation technique, may describe better the kinetic characteristics of cell walls. In this study marker and rumen evacuation techniques were compared in the determination of the passage rate and retention times.
Evaluation of models to describe neutral detergent fibre digestion in cattle fed at two levels of dry matter intake
Authors: Huhtanen P. , Kukkonen U.
Published: June 2019

Potentially digestible fibre leaves the rumen either by enzymatic breakdown or by passage to the lower tract. The digestibility of potentially digestible fibre is a function of the rate at which fibre is digested and its retention time in the rumen. The procedures used for estimating the rate of fibre digestion (kd) and the rate of passage of feed particles (kp) are extremely variable. The estimates for kdand kpderived by using different procedures can have a large effect on the fibre digestibility calculated from kinetic parameters of fibre. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the different methods in estimating the kinetic parameters of mathematical models that will describe cell wall digestion in the rumen.
Investigation of in vitro methods for screening fungal probiotics
Authors: Newbold C.J. , Frumholtz P.P. , Wallace R.J.
Published: June 2019

Fungal probiotics are gaining increasing acceptance as growth promoters that act via the rumen fermentation. Products have been described based on Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Aspergillus oryzac (Williams and Newbold, 1990). However not all species of Aspergillus or strains of S. cerevisiae exhibit probiotic properties (Tapia and llerrera-Saldana, 1989; Newbold, 1990). The selection of fungi with probiotic properties would be greatly facilitated by the development of a rapid method for assessing their efficacy. In the present study the effects of one of these products (Amaferm, based on Aspergillus oryzae; AO) on short term incubations invitro were compared with results obtained previously in longer-term in vitro fermentations (Rusitec) and with in vivo measurements.
Effects of beta-carotene or polyunsaturated fatty acids and selenium supplementation on immune status of single and twin calves
Authors: A M Mackenzie  , D C Macdonald  , J R Scaife  , T Acamovic  , M Warren  , F A C Paton
Published: June 2019

The neonatal calf is especially prone to enteric and respiratory infections during the first two to three months of life. The mortality rate and disease incidence are of enormous economic importance in the production of calves. The innovation of embryo transfer techniques has made it possible to produce twin calves from both dairy and suckler cattle, therefore the health and survival of these calves is of prime importance to the viability of twin calf production. The neonatal calf relies upon three mechanisms for protection against pathogens; the barrier provided by mucus secreting epithelial cells; the non-specific engulfing of foreign antigenic material by phagocytic cells and the immunoglobulins received via the colostrum. Neonatal calves are born with low levels of β-carotene and essential fatty acids (Noble, 1984) which have both been shown to be important for the health and performance of a number of animal species (Bendich and Shapiro, 1986) and may enhance the immune response in newborn animals.
The influence of nutritional status during lactation on the energy metabolism of the weaned sow
Authors: Close W.H. , Sharpe C E
Published: June 2019

It is generally recognised that the nutritional and metabolic status of the sow during lactation can influence its subsequent reproductive capacity. Thus sows which mobilise large quantities of body weight during lactation have extended weaning to oestrus intervals and reduced litter sizes. However, it is not known how nutrition during lactation may influence metabolic efficiency in the post-weaning period, especially in relation to the accumulation of body reserves. The present experiment was therefore designed to investigate the effect of feeding level during lactation on nutrient partitioning and metabolic efficiency in the weaned sow.
Effect of porcine gammaglobulin colostrum supplement on the performance of light-weight born piglets on a commercial unit
Authors: Simmins P.H. , Anderton D.J. , Corning S. , Goodman S.
Published: June 2019

Evidence from trials elsewhere has indicated that the porcine gammaglobulin preparation of porcine blood origin (IMMUSURETM Porcine: a trademark of Cambridge Bionutritionals Ltd) was effective in providing passive protection for piglets deprived of colostrum. Passive protection is conferred soon after birth and a piglet which has not sucked would be “at risk”. The light-weight piglet is considered “at risk” as it may not compete effectively for a teat and suckle. Consequently it may have less energy reserves and lower passive protection against disease. The object of the experiment reported here was to assess the effect of porcine gammaglobulin supplement on the performance and survival of light-weight piglets from birth to ten weeks of age on a commercial farm.
The effects of water and creep feed provision on the performance of sucking piglets
Authors: Gill B.P. , Brooks P.H. , Carpenter J.L.
Published: June 2019

The Codes, of Recommendations for the Welfare of Livestock : Pigs (1990) suggest that sufficient clean water should be made available to pigs but makes no specific reference to sucking piglets. Similarly ARC (1901) provide no recommendations on the water requirements for this class of pig. The RC 1989 proposal, for a Regulation concerning minimum standards for the protection of intensively farmed pigs, is more specific. It states that all pigs after the age of two weeks shall have access to adequate fresh, potable water at all times. The aim of this study was to establish the supplementary water requirements of sucking piglets weaned at three weeks of age and whether this reguirement was modified by the provision of creep feed.
The voluntary feed intake of modern pig genotypes
Authors: Laswai G.H. , Close W.H. , Keal H.D.
Published: June 2019

The continued genetic improvement for lean tissue growth rate and efficiency of pig production has allowed the liberal feeding of modern pigs without adverse effects on carcass quality or food conversion efficiency, even at heavy slaughter weights (Cole and Chadd, 1989; Webb, 1989). This genetic improvement has, however, been associated with a reduction in appetite so that the food intake of modern genotypes of pigs cannot be precisely assessed from the prediction equations established for the older and fatter genotype of pigs. The present experiment was designed to measure voluntary feed intake in order to facilitate the establishment of nutrient requirements and feeding strategies for modern pig genotypes.
The effects of water to feed ratio on the digestibility, digestible energy and nitrogen retention of a grower ration
Authors: Barber J. , Brooks P.H. , Carpenter J.L.
Published: June 2019

With the increase in the use of wet feeding systems, there has been a controversy over the optimum water to feed ratio to be used in these systems. Braude et al., (1967) showed that the feed conversion ratio was 20% higher for wet fed pigs compared to dry fed pigs. However, Forbes et al., (1968) found no significant difference in daily gain between wet and dry fed pigs.

Gill et al., (1987) conducted an experiment to investigate the effects of different water to feed ratios on the performance of growing pigs provided with an additional water supply. They showed that liveweight gain and feed conversion significantly improved (p < 0.05) as the water to feed ratio of the liquid feed was increased from 2:1 to 3.5:1.

The objective of this experiment was to investigate whether water to feed ratio effects digestibility, digestible energy and nitrogen retention.
The effect of four levels of feed on the water intake and water to feed ratio of growing pigs
Authors: Barber J. , Brooks P.H. , Carpenter J.L.
Published: June 2019

Much of the early studies investigating the water consumption of pigs have measured water use rather than actual water intake. Water use includes an unknown component of waste from the drinking utensil used.

WATER USE = WATER INTAKE + WATER WASTAGE

One of the objectives of this study was to measure actual total water Intake of growing pigs and to calculate actual total water to feed ratio.

Recommendations of water feed ratio for liquid feed systems have been commonly made from experimentation with non wet fed pigs. The Code of Recommendations for the Welfare of Livestock : Pigs (1985) state that where water is not freely available, for example by means of bowls or drinkers, at least 2 litres of water should be added to each kg of meal. Water to feed ratios calculated in this way may be over estimated as they include an element of waste from drinking utensils which does not occur with wet fed pigs. Also recommendations of this nature make no allowance for the amount of water a pig may choose to consume with its feed. The second objective of this study was to investigate how much water pigs choose to drunk with their feed and how much is drink interprandially.
Factors affecting the response of working boars to changing environmental temperature
Authors: Cliff Angela H , Dunne J H , English P R , Hutchinson J S M , Macpherson O
Published: June 2019

It is well established that high environmental temperature can have adverse effects on sperm concentration and the normality of sperm in the boar. Induced abnormalities include reduced motility, abnormal heads, proximal droplets, coiled and bent tails and abnormal acrosomes (Malmgren and Larsson, 1989). While all stages of spermatogenesis can be adversely affected, the primary spermatocytes are most vulnerable to these influences. Since spermatogenesis occurs over 45 days, any adverse effects of elevated ambient temperature can affect sperm quality for around 6 weeks. The maximum period of infertility appears around weeks 3 and 4 after heat stress. Reduced levels of testosterone and sometimes of LH following heat stress are implicated in these adverse effects. There is evidence that boars subjected to high constant temperature (30°C), which have become acclimatised to such, are affected less in terms of sperm output and quality (Cameron and Blackshaw, 1980) than when boars are subject to sudden major increases in temperature from fairly low levels (15 to 30 C) e.g. during the summer months (Antonyuk et al, 1983). There also appears to be large differences between boars in their ability to adapt to exposure to high environmental temperature by minimising temperature rise and avoiding adverse effects on semen quality (Cameron and Blackshaw, 1980). These workers found that boars prone to heat stress show an acute rise in body temperature in response to elevated environmental temperature and this sudden rise has a more adverse effect on semen quality than the length of exposure to the elevated temperature. There appears to be little information available on the reasons for such important between boar differences. This study was carried out to determine rectal temperature responses of boars to varying summer temperature in an intensive pig enterprise in Scotland and to attempt to determine some of the factors associated with ‘high’ and ‘low’ responding boars.
Selection differentials in a pig dam line group nucleus
Authors: Webb A. J. , Bampton P.R. , Mitchell R.
Published: June 2019

Mixed model methods allow genetic merit to be compared directly for pigs measured in different environments or generations. They take into account genetic relationships among all individuals in the population, and allow continuous selection throughout the animal's life. The advantage is more accurate selection in larger populations. The risk is that selection decisions are decentralised to many different sites, requiring a high degree of supervision.

In 1986 a “group nucleus” using BLUP and AI was established for a pig dam line in order to improve both litter size and lean growth. Selection occurs at several different stages in the life cycle, and this study examines selection differentials during performance testing together with the loss of differential resulting from visual appraisal.
Effect on forage intake and milk production of including maize silage in early or mid lactation in dairy cow rations based on grass silage
Authors: Phipps R H , Weller R F , Fisher W J , Poole T
Published: June 2019

Preliminary studies at the Bernard Weitz Centre have shown that maize silage has the potential to increase forage intake and milk production. The trend towards earlier calving, encouraged by the Milk Marketing Board pricing policy, means that maize silage may not be available for early lactation; as most farmers rely on the current seasons crop, and few carry stocks over from the previous year. The objective of the current trial was to determine the eflect on forage intake and milk production of incorporating maize silage into grass silage based rations either from early or mid-lactation.
Effect of animal size and supplementation on the feeding value of whole crop wheat
Authors: Castejon M. , Leaver J.D.
Published: June 2019

Previous studies (Castejon and Leaver, 1990) with heifers of 350 kg liveweight showed whole crop wheat (WCW) treated with 40 kg urea/t DM had a DOMD of 654 g/kg, and 8% of grain in the crop was excreted in the faeces. Morgan and Campling (1978) have shown that age of animal influences the digestibility of cereal grains.

The objective of the present trial was to examine the intake, digestibility and liveweight gain of three sizes of heifer with and without supplementation.
Tiie effect of linoleic acid and/or vitamin e supplementation of calves on plasma vitamin status, erythrocyte membrane fatty acid composition and oxidation of membrane lipids
Authors: Paton F A C , Scaife J R , Acamovic T , Macdonald D C , Mackenzie A M
Published: June 2019

The vitamin E (Vit E) requirement of the neonatal calf is largely dependent upon its dietary intake of polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) The PUFA content of neonatal calf plasma is low, the plasma triene:tetraene ratio of approximately 0.96 suggests a possible essential fatty acid deficiency, however within 3-4 days postpartum the ratio is markedly reduced to approximately 0.12 (Noble 1984). In spring-calving cows turned out to grass just prior to calving the sudden change to a diet rich in PUFA has a significant influence on the PUFA content of colostrum and milk and thus the Vit E requirement of the newborn calf. A study was conducted to examine the effects of different dietary ratios of Vit E to C18:2 on the growth performance; immunoglobulin status; fatty acid and retinol, Vit E and β-carotene profiles of blood plasma and erythrocyte membrane lipids (EML), and lipid oxidation of erythrocyte membranes. The effect of turn-out to grass on cow plasma fatty acid composition was also studied. The preliminary results of this study are presented below.
The effect of dietary molybdenum supplementation on copper metabolism, fibre characteristics and body and carcass measurements of growing angora goats
Authors: Galbraith H , Chigwada W , Scaife J R , Humphries W R
Published: June 2019

There is an increasing need for information on the involvement of micronutrients in the nutrition of goats under UK conditions and in particular the role of copper. There is particular interest in the interaction of copper (Cu) with molybdenum (Mo) and sulphur (S) which can form complexes which affect Cu absorption from the digestive tract and post-absorption bioavailability to metabolic sites (Gooneratne et al,1989). While there is considerable information in this subject area for sheep and cattle, information on goats is limited. The objective of the work reported here was to investigate the response of Angora goats to a basal diet with adequate Cu and S, and this diet supplemented with Mo at two concentrations.
Effects of water additives on water consumption, urine output and urine mineral levels in angora goats
Authors: Cooper R.A. , Evans Suzanne , Kirk J.A.
Published: June 2019

Urolithiasis is the formation of stones (or calculi) within the urinary system. Such ‘stones’ may result in urethral or ureteral obstruction. Most uroliths found in goats are composed of magnesium ammonium phospate or calcium magnesium phosphate and, while the chemistry of urolith formation is not fully understood, high concentrate diets, inadequate water intake and alkaline urine are all thought to be conducive to their development. Urolithiasis is normally only a problem in castrate males and Angora goats appear to be particularly susceptible.

It has been reported (Bell, 1959) that goats are sensitive to ‘sweet’ and ‘sour’ tastes and that their consumption of flavoured water is higher than that of plain water. This trial investigated the effects of water additives on water consumption, and on urine production and composition, to determine whether such additives might offer a means of reducing some of the factors predisposing towards urolithiasis.
Effect of water temperature on water consumption in female angora goats
Authors: Cooper R.A. , Hill Bryany , Kirk J.A.
Published: June 2019

It is commonly held that goats prefer their water ‘warm’ and that consumption may be encouraged by offering warmed water. Conversely, it is argued that water intake may go down if water is ‘too cold.’ There are, however, few data available and no definition of what constitutes ‘warm’ or ‘cold’ in the eyes of a goat. This trial was undertaken to provide some data in an attempt to confirm or refuse these conventional wisdoms.
Estimation of genetic parameters for conformation traits assessed on a linear scale in friesian holstein heifers
Authors: Swanson G.J.T. , Bellamy H J
Published: June 2019

The Artificial Insemination organisation of the Milk Marketing Board (MMB) (now Genus) progeny tests approximately 100 Friesian/Holstein bulls each year in co-operating milk recorded herds. In 1983 a linear assessment evaluation scheme was introduced in order to describe the conformation of animals in a more objective way. In conjunction with the Holstein Friesian Society it was agreed to score 16 main traits in the assessment scheme. The MMB also included a seventeenth trail, Beef Shape. The linear assessment scores are analysed by Best Linear Unbiased Prediction to provide sire evaluations on the bulls in the progeny testing scheme. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the environmental and genetic parameters for the traits assessed in the scheme during the first two years.
Protein utilisation by the mammary gland in lactating dairy cows
Authors: Metcalf J A , Beever D E , Sutton J D , Humphries D J
Published: June 2019

Milk output has been manipulated by dietary methods for many years, however the underlying mechanisms for changes in milk composition are as yet unclear. In an attempt to further understand these mechanisms we have compared the mammary uptake of metabolites on two isoenergetic diets with different protein levels expected to provide different amounts of amino acid to the mammary gland.

Early- to mid-lactation Friesian cows were used to examine the effect of increased dietary protein supply on the supply of metabolites to and uptake by the mammary gland in relation to milk protein synthesis. Two barley based concentrates were formulated to contain 20.8 (Cl) or 29.1 (C2) g N/kg DM, using fishmeal (Provimi 66, high UDP) as the supplementary protein and fed with grass silage (28.3 g N/kg DM) at a total dry matter intake of 17 kg/day. In Experiment 1 these diets were fed at 50:50 (concentrate:silage) to four lactating cows fitted with rumen and duodenal cannulae in a simple crossover design.
The effect of using fibrous feeds as nutrient diluents on the carcass quality and performance of finishing pigs fed ad libitum
Authors: Gill B P , Taylor A G , Hardy B , Perrott J G
Published: June 2019

Satisfactory levels of performance and improved carcass and meat eating quality in growing pigs fed high levels of sugar beet pulp (SBP) have been recently demonstrated by Kay et al. (1990) and Longland et al. (1991). One of the main advantages from feeding SBP was a reduction in carcass fatness and increased returns from improved grading. The objective of this work was to determine whether these benefits could be sustained to heavier finishing weights and to compare differences in the response to SBP as a source of readily fermentable non-starch polysaccharides (NSP) and to oat feed (OF), a cereal by-product high in insoluble NSP, which is less easily degraded.
Effect of extrusion and steam flaking of cereals on growth rate and feed utilisation by weaned pigs
Authors: P. B. Lynch  , I. Zoccarato
Published: June 2019

Heat treated cereals whether steamed and flaked or extruded are widely used in pig starter diets despite the dearth of experimental information to support the view that cooking of cereals improves their utilisation by young pigs or improves growth performance of weaned pigs.

McCone et al. (1991) showed that micronisation and flaking of cereals had no beneficial effect on pig performance. The objective in the present trial was to evaluate extruded and steamed-flaked wheat and steamed-flaked maize in diets for pigs immediately after weaning.
Evidence of the ineffectiveness of creep-feeding using a new method for measuring intake by early-weaned piglets
Authors: Waran N.K. , Broom D.M.
Published: June 2019

Little is known about how creep-feeding influences later growth rate in pigs. In previous studies, creep-food consumption has been measured by limiting access to food to allow the time spent feeding by individuals to be measured, however there are problems with this approach. Competition for the feeder may result in inaccurate measurement since some piglets may not have the opportunity to feed. Also, piglets will have less opportunity to learn about the food source by observing others. The approach used in the current experiment gave all piglets access to creep-food at the same time, allowing the piglets to feed normally. Any synchronisation in feeding activity that might affect food consumption was possible. Five litters of Large White X Landrace piglets were offered a home-mix starter diet from 10 days of age. A mark and capture technique was employed. The inert marker (Microtracer RF-Ni; Guinness Chemicals Ltd.) was mixed with the diet (30 g/tonne) that was fed to the piglets. The microtracer was a ferro-magnetic alloy powder of minute particle size (25,000 parts/gramme), that resisted dissolution in the gastrointestinal tract and was easily recovered from a faeces-water slurry using a magnetic ‘wand’. Faeces were collected from piglets at 18 days of age. Piglets were weaned at 21 days and were randomly allocated to one of four types of weaner pen, where they remained for 4 weeks. Weaned piglets were fed the starter diet ad lib for 7 days after which they were fed a standard weaner diet. On average 1.9 g (dry matter weight) of faeces were collected from each piglet. The number of particles retrieved from faecal samples (mean = 5.4, range = 0 - 39), and the proportion of iron particles per gramme of dried faeces was calculated for each piglet that was sampled, as an estimate of creep-feed intake. There was a large variation among piglets in creep-feed intake but no significant difference between litters. Females consumed more creep-feed than males (p < 0.001, t-test) (Fig. 1), but experienced the same growth check as males post-weaning. There was no relationship between weight gain post-weaning and creep-feed intake. It was concluded that creep-food consumption, measured using this method, did not influence weight gain post-weaning. This method may be used in association with other methods of measuring creep-food consumption, such as measuring lime-spent at the feeder, to give a more accurate estimate of individual creep-food consumption.
Development of thermoregulation and metabolic pathways in the newborn pig in relation with survival
Authors: Herpin P.
Published: June 2019

Birth is associated with dramatic changes in nutrient supply and environmental conditions, and survival of the newborn animal is highly related to its ability to withstand stress and to develop quickly major physiological functions such as nutrition and thermoregulation. In pigs, susceptibility to hypothermia and to hypoglycemia are usually reported as major factors involved in neonatal mortality. Low energy stores, lack of brown fat and poor insulation largely contribute to the limited thermoregulatory response of the newborn pig but thermogenic capacities are developping quickly over the first 48 hours of life. Postnatal hypoglycemia is mainly due to the impairment of gluconeogenesis during the first hours of life in starved piglets (Pegorier et al.,1985) in relation with the low ability of the piglets for hepatic fatty acid oxidation.
Differentiation and growth of myofibers in the pig. factors of variation and consequences on meat quality
Authors: Lefaucheur Louis
Published: June 2019

Our research program consists in studying the biochemical and physiological characteristics of myofibers during genesis, differentiation and growth of skeletal muscle in the pig. The objective is to be able to turn muscle differentiation into characteristics that are good for meat quality and consistent with a high level of growth performance. Our experimental work comprises three main topics: (1) description of myofiber differentiation and growth during fetal and postnatal periods; (2) investigation of factors affecting muscle differentiation and growth and (3) study of relationships between muscle histochemlcal traits and meat quality.
An evaluation of the duroc breed in cross-breeding programs. 1. sow productivity growth and carcase traits
Authors: Lowe D B , Warkup C C , Baldwin C P
Published: June 2019

There has been much interest in the possible use of the Duroc breed. Several reports have indicated improved meat quality traits and advantages for Duroc cross females in sow productivity (D. E. Steane, 1986). An evaluation of productivity, carcase and meat quality traits of Duroc crosses was carried out in the second trial at the Stotfold Pig Development Unit.
Variation in the milk yield, endocrine and metabolic responses following bovine somatotropin administration to dairy cows
Authors: Rose M.T. , Weekes T.E.C. , Rowlinson P.
Published: June 2019

It is well established that the subcutaneous administration of bovine somatotropin (bst) to dairy cows results in an increased level of milk production. This effect occurs irrespective of the method of application, the duration of the treatment or the time after calving after which it commences. However, the reported extent of this galactopoietic effect in the published literature has been highly variable, with one long term study reporting an increase of over 11.5 kg/day (Bauman et al. 1985), whilst other long term studies have reported relatively small increases or no significant increase at all (Hof et al. 1991, Morbeck et al. 1991). As yet it is unknown what factors control the milk yield response to bst, though there is a clear effect of dose of the hormone and possibly of energy and protein balance. There are also confusing reports on the effect of the previous milk yield and genetic potential of the animal on the observed increase.
The response to thrice-daily milking and its relationship to cisternal storage capacity in dairy cows
Authors: Dewhurst R.J. , Knight C.H.
Published: June 2019

Recently there has been increased interest in the effects of changing the milking frequency of dairy cows because of the possibilities of either increased milking frequency, through the use of robot-milkers or of once-daily milking as a part of a programme of extensification. Archer (1983), reviewing the literature and data from herds monitored by Farm Management Services, found milk yield responses on changing from twice- to thrice-daily milking from -0.14 to +0.49. These differences represent large between-animal differences in responses to thrice-daily milking and there is a need to identify sources of this variation.

Milk is stored in the udder in both the cistern and the secretory alveolar tissue itself. Since milk contains a protein which is inhibitory to secretion, storage within the secretory tissue is disadvantageous and reduces the efficiency of secretory tissue. Work at the Hannah Research Institute has shown that the effect of the inhibitor can be overcome by milking more frequently and that the response to thrice-daily milking of goats was greater with animals having smaller cisterns.