bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The nutritive value of sugar beet pulp treated with Neurospora Sitophila
Authors: Rouzbehan Y. , Shojaosadati S. A.
Published: June 2019

In Iran, the availability of the protein supplements resources for ruminant animals is low. Therefore, protein enrichment of fibrous substrates such as sugar beet pulp (SBP) could make this by-product to be used as a protein supplement for livestock. Several workers have studied the effect of different fungi on the concentration of crude protein in the SBP (Lena and Quaglia, 1992; Shojaosadati et al, 1999). However, very little information is available in the literature regarding the effect of Neurospora Sitophila (NS) fungi on the nutrients digestibility as well as the protein quality of SBP for ruminants. Therefore, this experiment was carried out to study the changes in the chemical composition, the digestibility of dry matter (DM) and organic matter (OM) and the protein degradability of SBP treated with NS.
The effect of slaughter weight on growth and carcass traits of Holstein-Friesian bulls offered a cereal-based diet
Authors: Kirkland R.M. , Steen R.W.J. , Patterson D.C.
Published: June 2019

With the current situation of low profitability in the beef industry, producers must aim to produce beef efficiently and at minimum cost. In view of the ready availability of Holstein Friesian bull calves as a by-product of the dairy industry, the rearing and finishing of these animals offers a possible source of income to beef producers. The objective of the present study was to examine the influence of slaughter weight on feed efficiency and production characteristics of Holstein-Friesian bulls offered a cereal-based diet.
The effect of different levels of polyclonal antibody inclusion in a whey-based calf milk replacer on calf performances
Authors: Fallon R. J. , Earley B. , Twigge J.
Published: June 2019

The expectation in the EU is that the use of antibiotic growth promoters in animal production will be banned by 2005. The challenge is to find an appropriate alternative for use in calf milk replacer diets. Polyclonal antibody addition to the diet may offer a potential alternative to antibiotic feed additives. Surface active polyclonal egg antibodies derived from hyper-immunised chickens may offer such an alternative. Antibodies for common livestock pathogens can be raised in the hen and passed on to the egg and the eggs are used to produce hyper-immunised spray dried egg protein. However the optimum level of inclusion is not defined.
Variation in gas release profiles in vitro as influenced by volatile fatty acid composition and rate of addition to two standard incubation media
Authors: Krystallidou E. , Mould F.L. , Owen E. , Butler E.A.
Published: June 2019

In vitro gas systems characterise substrate degradation by estimating fermentation gas release over time. However, as this offers little information regarding feedstuff utilisation, the extent of organic matter degradation (OMD) must be measured to provide an estimate of the metabolizable end-products (VFA and microbial protein) produced. Systems where capacity is limited use either an incubation end-point derived partitioning factor (PF) to estimate degradation from gas or attempt to model OMD stoichiometrically from VFA analyses or assumed gas / VFA relationships. These estimates contain numerous errors. For instance the PF is not constant and the stoichiometric calculations used assume that all OM degraded is carbohydrate composed of hexose sugars. A further potential error is the estimate of the proportion of released gas that originates from VFA neutralisation, as this varies with buffer composition and both proportion and rate (i.e. concentration) of VFA production.
Chemical composition, digestibility and predicted energy value of whole-crop forage lupins
Authors: Deaville E. R. , Givens D.I.
Published: June 2019

The seeds from newer, varieties of determinate lupin grown in the UK are potentially a useful source of protein to livestock. Also, their ability to be cultivated in a temperate climate may afford the opportunity to reduce the dependence on imported protein sources such as soya bean meal. There is also currently interest in assessing the potential for harvesting whole-crop forage lupin (WCFL) as a high-protein forage crop for ruminant animals. The aim of the present study was to examine the nutritional value of WCFL samples harvested at different stages of maturity.
Relationship between calpastatin activity and the slow and fast myosin heavy chain content of ovine skeletal muscles
Authors: Sazili A.Q. , Sensky P.L. , Parr T. , Bardsley R.G. , Buttery P.J.
Published: June 2019

Calpastatin, the specific endogenous inhibitor of the calpain system, is considered to be a principle contributor to variations in meat tenderisation (Parr et al., 1999). Previous studies have suggested that the differences in calpastatin activity in different ovine skeletal muscles could be influenced by muscle metabolic and contractile characteristics according to myofibrillar ATPase activity (Ouali and Talmant, 1990). The type of myofibrillar ATPase activity is largely determined by the content of slow or fast myosin heavy chains (Rivero et al., 1999). The present study was designed to investigate the relationship between calpastatin inhibitory activity and slow myosin heavy chain (MHC-s) and fast myosin heavy chain (MHC-f) expression.
Effect of feeding diets with excess dietary leucine to finishing pigs on growth and carcass characteristics, meat quality, and intramuscular fat levels
Authors: Hyun Young , Ellis Mike , McKeith Floyd K.
Published: June 2019

Concerns over low levels of intramuscular fat and poor eating quality of meat from modern lean lines of pigs have focused attention on approaches to increasing the marbling fat content of pork. A number of techniques to increase intramuscular fat by manipulation of the nutrient composition of the diet have been evaluated. These have included feeding of protein deficient diets and of excess dietary leucine levels (Cisneros et al., 1996). Leucine is a ketogenic amino acid, the carbon skeleton of which can be used to synthesize fatty acids in muscle. In a previous study (Cisneros et al., 1996) feeding excess dietary leucine increased intramuscular fat and also improved muscle color. This study was carried out to validate those findings.
Rumen biohydrogenation of polyunsaturated fatty acid sources and their effect on plasma fatty acid status in sheep
Authors: Cooper S.L. , Sinclair L.A. , Wilkinson R.G , Chikunya S. , Hallett K. , Enser M. , Wood J.D.
Published: June 2019

Increasing the n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) content of ruminant products may be important in reducing the incidence of cardiovascular diseases in man. Previous experiments suggest that a-linolenic acid (C18:3n -3) in the form of whole linseed is extensively biohydrogenated both in vitro (Cooper et al., 2001) and in vivo (Wachira et al., 2000) and that some form of protection is required. By contrast the long chain PUFA’s in fish oils appear less susceptible to biohydrogenation (Wachira et al., 2000). The objective of the present study was to quantify the extent to which n-3 PUFA from different sources were biohydrogenated in the rumen and to determine the degree to which they were incorporated into plasma lipids.
Fatty acid composition and quality of muscle from steers fed ruminally protected lipid
Authors: Enser M. , Scollan N. , Gulati S. , Nute G. , Hallett K. , Wood J.D. , Richardson I
Published: June 2019

Recommendations to improve the UK diet suggest an increase in the ratio of polyunsaturated to saturated fatty acids (P:S ratio) and a higher consumption of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA). Ruminant meats have a poor P:S ratio, approximately 0.1 compared to the recommendation of 0.4-1.0 for the whole diet. However, the ratio of C18:2 n-6/C18:3 n-3 (the n-6:n-3) is well within the recommended value of <4.0 at approximately 2 and ruminant muscle also supplies longer-chain n-3 PUFA. By feeding lipid in a formaldehyde cross-linked protein matrix, rumen biohydrogenation can be avoided and the tissue PUFA level increased but with potential effects on oxidative shelf-life, colour and flavour of the meat. This trial investigated the fatty acid composition and quality of meat produced by feeding a protected lipid supplement (PLS).
Effect of feeding diets rich in n-3 PUFA at different stages of the production period on the PUFA composition of intramuscular fat in Belgian Blue double-muscled bulls
Authors: Raes K. , Balcaen A. , Claeys E. , Demeyer D. , De Smet S.
Published: June 2019

Belgian beef production is mainly using double-muscled Belgian Blue animals finished indoors on all-concentrate diets or high-concentrate/maize silage diets. In relation to consumer health and in order to improve the “functional food” value of beef, it is attempted to increase its n-3 PUFA content using linseed or grass and grass silage in the fattening diet. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of feeding grass or linseed at different stages of the production period on the intramuscular PUFA content of Belgian double-muscled beef.
Effect of production systems on carcass quality characteristics of lambs
Authors: Arsenos G. , Fortomaris P. , Banos G. , Deligiannis C. , Lainas T. , Katsaounis N. , Kasapidou E. , Stamataris C. , Zygoyiannis D.
Published: June 2019

Our objective was to provide basic information that can be used to direct sheep production to produce meat, which meets consumer demands. Here, we present the results of a series of studies that were designed to assess the effect of different production systems on carcass quality characteristics of lambs from Greek dairy breeds of sheep.
Manipulating lamb conjugated linoleic acid content and stearoyl coenzyme A desaturase mRNA by either a grass or concentrate feeding regime
Authors: Wynn R.J. , Daniel Z.C.T.R. , Salter A.M. , Buttery P.J.
Published: June 2019

Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA) is a mixture of isomers of linoleic acid implicated with numerous health promoting properties. These include anti-carcinogenicity (cis-9,trans-11 isomer), anti-atherogenicity and increasing the lean:fat ratio (trans-10,cis-12 isomer). CLA is produced naturally by all ruminant animals through the incomplete biohydrogenation of linoleic acid within the rumen. Alternatively, it can be made endogenously by stearoyl coenzyme A desaturase (SCD) from vaccenic acid (VA) (Griinariet al,2000). It has been well documented that cows fed on a grass diet produce morecis-9,trans-11 in milk than those fed on a concentrate based regime (Kellyet al,1998) but to date, little work would appear to have been undertaken to determine if this is the case with sheep tissues. In the present study, a grass based diet was compared with a concentrate diet in order to determine whether the CLA content of adipose tissue differed and if so, which isomer and what mechanisms may be involved.
Effect of diet on vitamin E metabolism and meat quality in lambs
Authors: Kasapidou E. , Wood J.D. , Sinclair L.A. , Wilkinson R.G. , Enser M.
Published: June 2019

Supplementation of animal diets with supranutritional levels of vitamin E is nowadays considered advisable because it extends shelf life by delaying myoglobin and lipid oxidation. However, vitamin E absorption and deposition in ruminants fed on concentrate based diets is reported to be variable. This work examines the effect of concentrate or grass silage based diets on vitamin E concentrations in plasma, muscle and liver and meat quality in lambs.
The estimation of chemical, physical and sensory parameters of homogenized fresh pork eye muscle by near infrared reflectance spectroscopy (NIRS)
Authors: Park R. S. , Agnew R. E. , Beattie E. , Moss B. W.
Published: June 2019

This study was based on research to identify particular pig breeds, which produce high quality eating pork. Duroc in particular is thought to improve meat quality of progeny when crossed with Large White/Landrace (LW/Lr) hybrid dams by altering the intra-muscular fat (IMF) content of the lean, which is positively related to eating quality (McGloughlin et al., 1988). The extraction of IMF is slow and laborious with harmful solvents involved. Eichinger and Beck (1991) have successfully used NIRS to measure IMF ranging from 1-11% in 39 beef carcases. Ground beef and pork samples have also been predicted for fat, water and protein by NIRS, with prediction errors of 0.82-1.49%, 0.94-1.33% and 0.35-0.70% respectively (Togersen et al.,1999). Instrumental measurements of pork are accepted as indicators of tenderness. Sensory variables such as juiciness, tenderness and flavour are important characteristics for the consumer. Therefore the objective of this study was to explore the potential of NIRS to estimate the chemical, physical and sensory parameters of homogenized fresh pork eye muscle.
The effects of level of bedding provision and time in lairage on the contamination of hides of finished cattle with potentially zoonotic bacteria
Authors: Heasman L. , Hutchison M. L. , Davies M. H.
Published: June 2019

Many cases of food-borne illness in the UK are related to the consumption of contaminated meat products. This has highlighted the importance of adopting hygienic procedures throughout the meat production chain, including the farm and abattoir environment (Pennington, 2000). Many factors are known to affect the hygienic condition of finished cattle (Davies et al., 2000) and various husbandry practices may be used to improve cleanliness at slaughter. However, the extent to which abattoir practices contribute to the contamination of cattle hides is not known. Overnight lairage of cattle prior to slaughter is a common practice in the UK, but the extent to which this affects bacterial contamination of the hide remains to be determined. This study investigated the effects of providing additional straw bedding during lairage on the microbiological cleanliness of cattle during overnight lairage.
Genetic evaluation of Iranian Holstein dairy cows with the use of a Covariance Function Model
Authors: Farhangfar H. , Rowlinson P. , Willis M.B.
Published: June 2019

The use of test day models has increasingly become of interest in genetic evaluation of dairy cattle. Traditionally, in most dairy cattle breeding programmes genetic evaluation of dairy sires and cows has been primarily based on using 305-day lactation yield. Since in this system of evaluation many incomplete lactation records have to be extended to complete lactations this could result in biased prediction of breeding values due to any over or underestimation of total lactation yields. In genetic evaluation of dairy cattle, test day models have many advantages over the traditional method (Lactation Animal Model) because of the fact that they can account for the lactation curve of individual cows and take more accurate account of the effects of environmental factors influencing test day milk yield over the course of lactation. The main aim of this study was to use a Covariance Function Test day Animal Model (CFTAM) in genetic evaluation of first parity Iranian Holsteins.
Replacement of lucerne hay with bagasse pith treated with Pleurotus ulmarius in the diet of finishing Shal lambs
Authors: Rezaeian M. , Hoseinipajhooh KH.
Published: June 2019

The treatment of sugarcane pith with various methods in order to upgrade its nutritive value and to increase the utilisation of its energy by ruminants has been widely employed in many parts of the world (Sansoucy et al. 1988). The aim of the experiment was to improve the nutritive value of sugarcane pith by a biological treatment and to assess the possibility of its maximum inclusion as a replacement with Lucerne hay in the diet of finishing Shal lambs.
Effect of rearing environment on the prevalence of gastric ulcers in slaughter pigs
Authors: Amory J.R. , Pearce G.P. , Mackenzie A.M.
Published: June 2019

Gastric ulceration in pigs is an important condition as it has been associated with a number of signs indicative of poor welfare and reduced growth rate and FCE (Dybkjaer et al., 1994). The effects of diet, particularly feed processing methods, on the occurrence of this condition are well documented (O’Brien, 1992). It has also been suggested that “psychosomatic and other stress factors” may be important in the aetiology of this condition (O’Brien, 1992), but there is currently little information available. The present study was designed to investigate factors within the rearing environment and management techniques that were associated with the presence of gastric ulcers at slaughter.
Performance of newly-weaned pigs when housed with a pig with experience of creep food
Authors: Morgan C. A. , Lawrence A. B. , Garth B.
Published: June 2019

When piglets are weaned at around 3 to 4 weeks of age consumption of creep food can be very variable between pigs, some not consuming any (Pajor et al, 1991), there being little opportunity to learn about solid food from the sow. Thus weaning results in a temporary reduction in nutrient intake while the pig learns to accept solid food and this results in a depression in growth, the weaning check. In other species, such as the rat, animals can learn about novel foods from a knowledgeable conspecific (Galef, 1994) but it is not clear if this transfer of knowledge occurs in pigs. Morgan et al. (2001) observed an enhanced food intake of pairs of pigs containing an experienced and inexperienced pig of the same age housed together compared to a similar pair housed apart or a pair of inexperienced pigs. Therefore, in this experiment the influence on solid food intake and growth by inexperienced piglets when housed with an experienced older pig was examined under more practical group-housing conditions.
Factors affecting neonatal viability and the relationship between it and subsequent creep feeding behaviour of suckling piglets
Authors: Lee H. F. , Morgan C. A. , Appleby M. C. , Waran N. K.
Published: June 2019

Neonatal viability is one of the key factors affecting piglets’ vitality, which ultimately affects the survival and growth of piglets (England, 1974). As colostrum is the only food resource of neonatal piglets, their ability to acquire the colostrum as early as possible after their birth can determine their vitality. Piglets are usually supplied with creep food at some time during the suckling period in order to improve their performance before and after weaning. However, the creep food intake varies between litters and between individuals. Furthermore, the relationship between viability in early life and the acceptance of a new food (e.g. creep food) when they first encounter it, is not fully understood. The objectives of this study were to investigate factors affecting the neonatal viability of piglets at birth and to identify the relationship between neonatal viability and subsequent creep feeding behaviour by piglets on d14-d15.
Sham dustbathing and use of dustbaths in furnished cages for laying hens
Authors: Olsson I.A.S. , Keeling L.J
Published: June 2019

The furnished cage for laying hens is one attempt to meet the welfare problem of behavioural restriction in conventional battery cages. However despite the presence of a dustbath, sham dustbathing on the cage floor, which is usually associated with litter deprivation, is often seen. It has been suggested that the performance of sham dustbathing is satisfying enough to substitute for dustbathing in litter (Lindberg & Nicol, 1997) but later experimental studies have failed to show that it reduces the motivation to dustbathe in litter (Lindberg, 1999; Olsson et al, accepted). An alternative hypothesis is that sham dustbathing is a consequence of social competition since the dustbath is not big enough to allow all birds in a cage to use it at the same time. If this hypothesis is true, sham dustbathing would be expected to take place mainly when the dustbath is occupied. We tested the hypothesis by observing sham dustbathing and the use of dustbaths in furnished cages.
Effect of tooth clipping on piglet behaviour
Authors: Boyle L.A. , Boyle R.M. , Lynch P.B.
Published: June 2019

Piglets with intact teeth suffer considerable damage to the skin of the face during establishment of the suckling hierarchy (Delbor et al., 2000). However, the direct and indirect damage caused by clipping can exceed the effects of these injuries (Noonan et al., 1994; Hutter et al., 1994). The objective of this study was to compare the behaviour of piglets with intact or clipped needle teeth and to discuss the welfare implications of any differences observed.
Helminth parasite problems and control options for the ruminant livestock industries
Authors: Waller Peter J
Published: June 2019

Nematode parasite infections are now being recognised as possibly the greatest disease problem of grazing livestock industries, worldwide. Often parasites were considered to be of greatest concern in countries of the tropics and subtropics. This is based on the perception that parasites are either not as pathogenic, or are better controlled, in grazing livestock industries in the temperate regions of the world. Unfortunately this is not the case. The hidden costs of nematode parasite infection, particularly in young ruminants, are substantial even in Europe. This is now especially so, when one considers that maintaining livestock for longer periods on pasture is becoming and economic, environmental and animal welfare necessity.
Recent Advances in Foraging Theory for Herbivores
Authors: Hobbs N.T.
Published: June 2019

My remarks explore the role of theory in making progress in science generally and particularly in ecology. I discuss what theory is (and isn’t). I argue that theory is a fundamentally important part of doing science efficiently, and I discuss some exciting new approaches for combining theory, data, and statistics to enhance scientific understanding. I illustrate these approaches using examples from work on foraging by mammalian herbivores.
The ethical basis of intensive livestock production systems
Authors: Gatward G.
Published: June 2019

Many of the ethical issues regarding the livestock production systems of the late twentieth century have concentrated on the process of intensification. The extent of public disquiet at the welfare and ethical implications of intensification has been reflected in the burgeoning membership of animal welfare and animal rights organisations. The reasons for this increase as well as the impact that it has had on the livestock industry can be traced back to the 1960s, to factors such as the growing urbanisation of the population and especially the emergence of the animal rights movement which focused attention on a wide range of issues including the human exploitation of other animal species. This in turn led to a demarcation between those who supported the animal welfare cause and those who argued for animal rights.
Feed enzymes for ruminants. The need for a rational screening system
Authors: Colombatto D. , Morgavi D. P. , Mould F. L.
Published: June 2019

Enzymes that degrade the plant cell wall, collectively termed cellulases and hemicellulases, have attracted considerable research efforts recently, because of their potential to be used as additives for animal feeds. Widely used in monogastric animals, mainly to remove antinutritional factors (Bedford, 2000), enzymes are increasingly used in ruminant diets to enhance feedstuff degradability, following results from feeding trials where positive responses in rumen digestion and animal production were observed (Beaucheminet al., 1995; Fenget al., 1996; Yanget al., 1999). Enzymes could also provide an environmentally friendly alternative to the use of antibiotics as feed additives for ruminants.
Enzymes in feed resources for farm livestock – overview
Authors: Kies A.K. , Holkenborg A.B.M. Klein , Schulze H.K.
Published: June 2019

Within 15 years after introduction, the application of enzymes in the feed industry has gained general acceptance. Even though the range of feed enzymes has not really been extended in this period, a lot of progress has been made, particularly in a better understanding of the mode of action of these enzymes. The main enzymes used are those able to hydrolyse non-starch polysaccharides (NSP) and phytase.
Market perceptions of food and feed safety
Authors: Thomas P. C.
Published: June 2019

The last decade has witnessed a dramatic increase in the introduction of risk management and safety assurance throughout the UK’s food and feed processing and manufacturing industries. This has resulted in part from changes in legislation, but more significantly it has reflected a fundamental shift in the market environment in which the food-chain industries operate. Risk management was established as a key requirement when the emergence of food safety problems in the 1980s became a matter of public concern. Retailers responded by driving the safety assurance ‘down’ the food-supply chain, and politicians by moving food-chain regulation up their list of legislative priorities.
Nutrition and Production – the Scientist
Authors: Lewis M , Lowman B. G
Published: June 2019

Reducing costs for unit output, be it per kg liveweight gain, per kg carcass gain or per kg saleable meat yield will be essential for the future of the UK beef industry. Traditionally emphasis has been placed on reducing feed costs per unit output and data from MLC’s Beefplan shows that between 65 – 82% of the variable cost of UK beef systems are accounted for by feed costs. However, with fixed costs being similar to total variable costs, it is also important to reduce the labour and machinery costs associated with the production of feed and feeding it. As far as nutrition/feeding of beef cattle is concerned, there are a number of areas where a reduction in costs can be achieved using existing knowledge but in other areas there are obvious gaps in knowledge which require further research. However, there appears to very little research into aspects of the nutrition/production of beef cattle going on, or being published, in the UK. (Only 8 out of a total of 228 papers presented at this conference are on nutrition/production of beef cattle.)
Genetic Improvement of Beef Cattle -the Scientist
Authors: Pullar Duncan
Published: June 2019

For thousands of years, perhaps ever since the domestication of cattle, farmers have favoured, and therefore selected, certain animals above others in an attempt to create a population of beasts best suited to their needs. Over time the sophistication with which breeding cattle have been selected has improved as technology and understanding has developed. In Great Britain today the genetic improvement of cattle makes use of the three main methods available: breed substitution, crossbreeding and within-breed selection. This paper concentrates on the last of these but recognises the importance of the first two in commercial practice. For example there has been considerable substitution of native British beef breeds with continental breeds during the 1960s and 70s and there is continued use of crossbreeding on dairy cows and in suckler beef production. Within breed selection and performance recording is valuable for the continued improvement of pedigree beef cattle and as a means for commercial producers to select suitable herd sires.
Meat Quality
Authors: Stevenson A
Published: June 2019

The relationship between livestock producer and meat plant operator has always been one of suspicion. Now, as a result of last year’s tragic Foot & Mouth outbreak, it is the belief of the Speaker that to use this period of recuperation and rebuilding to develop solid relationships and meaningful trust between both parties. We have a shared challenge if Britain is to remain with a strong meat and livestock sector and not simply rely on the requirements of the consumer to be increasingly met by product from imported sources.
Preliminary effects of altering plane of nutrition during different stages of the life cycle, and gender, on beef cattle performance
Authors: Keady T.W.J. , Kirkland R.M. , Kilpatrick D.J.
Published: June 2019

Post Mid Term Review of the Common Agricultural Policy, beef production must survive in a subsidy-free, market led environment. It is essential that producers increase final carcass value by achieving cost effective performance from birth to slaughter. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of plane of nutrition during the growing and finishing indoor feeding periods, and stocking rate and concentrate supplementation at pasture on the performance of steers and heifers from weaning to finishing.
The fatty acid composition of muscle fat and relationships to meat quality in Charolais steers: influence of level of fish oil in the diet
Authors: Scollan N.D. , Enser M. , Hallett K.G. , Ball R. , Nute G.R. , Wood J.D. , Richardson I.
Published: June 2019

Previous studies have demonstrated that including fish oil (FO) in the diet of beef cattle resulted in increased long chain C20n -3 PUFA (20:5n -3 and 22:6n -3) in muscle resulting in a lower n -6:n -3 ratio (Scollan et al., 2001). However, it may result in negative effects on colour shelf life and organoleptic properties (Vatansever et al., 2000). Fish oil is also a good inhibitor of biohydrogenation in the rumen, resulting in increased production of 18:1trans (TVA), the precursor for conjugated linoleic acid (CLA cis -9, trans -11) in muscle. This study investigated the effects of incremental levels of fish oil in the diet on the fatty acid composition of the m. longissimus dorsi and meat quality.
Participatory production of a new animal science text book `Livestock and wealth creation: improving the husbandry of animals kept by resource-poor people in developing countries’
Authors: Owen E. , Kitalyi A.J. , Jayasuriya M.C.N. , Smith T. , Richards J.I.
Published: June 2019

This text book was conceived in January 2002, in Tanzania, during a DFID Livestock Production Programme (LPP) workshop. Perceived justifications for such a book were: (1) to improve the preparation of animal science students to address livestock issues faced by resource-poor subsistence farmers in developing countries; the majority of livestock text-books are either a) authored in the ‘north’ and based on temperate, large-scale, commercial systems or b) based on a single species and technology ‘fix’ approach, with insufficient focus on the systems under which livestock are kept by the resource-poor, or on improving livestock survival and productivity and understanding the contribution they make to livelihoods; (2) to address the UN Millennium Development Goal of halving the number of people living in absolute poverty by 2015 through `training teachers’ using appropriate information. Three quarters of poor people live in rural areas and keep livestock; (3) to respond to the large demand for meat and milk over the next 20 years foreseen by the burgeoning ‘Livestock Revolution’ and the consequent opportunities for resource-poor livestock keepers to move from subsistence to a market-oriented economy. The LPP agreed to commission the book provided that consultation with stakeholders confirmed a demand for it and that a broad electorate of stakeholders participated in the book’s design and production. Two editors (E. Owen and T Smith) were appointed to undertake the consultations and subsequent production of the book in collaboration with the Manager of LPP (J.I. Richards).
Alleviating dry season forage shortages by improved crop protection in the Central Kenyan Highlands
Authors: Lukuyu B. A. , Murdoch A. J. , Njuguna J. G. M. , Romney D. , Owen E. , Maina J. , Mwangi D. M. , Musembi F. , Mbure G. N. , Njihia S. N. , McLeod A. , Dorward P. T. , Jama A.N. , Mould F.
Published: June 2019

In the Central Kenyan Highlands, dairy cattle ownership is a crucial element in poverty alleviation. For example, in Kiambu district just north of Nairobi, out of the population of 744010, 48% of 189709 households stall feed dairy cattle. Farm sizes average 1.1 to 2.0 ha per household. Producing sufficient forage for dairy cattle is difficult and low dry matter intake constrains dairy production and there is a positive correlation between stover intake and milk yield.. Napier grass comprised 40% of the total dry matter fed to cattle and maize forage 24% according to the project’s Rapid Rural Appraisal, maize thinnings and stover being routinely fed to livestock. In another survey, dry maize stover accounted for nearly 65% of dry matter intake of dairy cattle during October.
Managing the working donkey in Ethiopia to assist poor people make the most of their resources
Authors: Pearson R. A. , Smith D.G. , Alemayehu M. , Shiferaw Y.
Published: June 2019

The donkey is essential to the livelihoods of many families, providing relief from drudgery and diversification of household income in both rural and urban areas, particularly in their role in transport. Ethiopia possesses the largest donkey population in Africa. The donkey is preferred over other equines because of its affordability, survivability and ease of handling.
Algebraic methods to determine total tract mean retention time of digesta in ponies given ad libitum access to pelleted diets containing different levels of unmolassed sugar beet pulp
Authors: Hyslop J. J.
Published: June 2019

Digesta passage rate may have influenced previously reported work on the intakes, apparent digestibilities and nutritive values of complete pelleted diets containing unmolassed sugar beet pulp (USBP) at levels ranging from 0-800 g/kg dry matter (DM) when offered to ponies (Hyslop, 2002). This study’s objective was to compare total tract mean retention time (TMRT) of digesta using two algebraic calculation methods in the same ponies.
The relationship between fertility, rump and other type traits in Holstein Friesian cows
Authors: Wall E. , White I. M. S. , Coffey M. P. , Brotherstone S.
Published: June 2019

Cattle breeders, farmers and vets believe that the decline in fertility seen in recent years can be partially attributed to changes in rump angle with selection being for more angular cows. This suggests that animals with pin bones that sit above the hip bones (high rump angle) will have poorer fertility. Few studies have shown a significant relationship between fertility and rump traits. This study investigates the popular belief that high rump angle equates to poor fertility by examining the genetic and phenotypic correlation between rump angle and fertility traits. The relationship between rump angle and fertility was also examined to see if there was an intermediate optimum or threshold of rump angle for good/bad fertility. The correlation of other type traits (udder and composite traits) with fertility was also examined to see if they had potential to add information to the estimation of fertility breeding values.
An investigation into the genetic relationship of reproduction traits of sows under different mating method (artificial insemination versus natural service)
Authors: Lewis T. W. , Woolliams J. A. , Wiseman J.
Published: June 2019

Falconer and MacKay (1996) note that the measurement of a trait in two different environments may be considered as two traits rather than one. In this way it is possible, through the calculation of genetic correlations, to estimate to what extent the two measurements under different conditions are in fact the same characteristic and are determined by the same genes. The widespread use of AI in pig production has faltered due to problems with dilution and cryopreservation of semen and yet an industry split, where breeders and nucleus herds use AI extensively but multipliers and commercial producers do not, is becoming apparent. Reproductive traits are increasingly seen as an important component of overall pig production and while the genetic correlation between reproductive and production traits has been explored, little work has focused on the genotype by environment interaction of such fertility traits. The present study reports the genetic relationship of number born alive (NBA) in litters conceived naturally and by AI, and in rate of weaning to first service (WTFS-1).
Inverdale fecundity gene (FecXI) influences twin ovulation incidence in pubertal ewe lambs from Texel sires and Cheviot or Scottish Blackface dams
Authors: Alink F. M. , Mylne M. J. A. , Watt R. G. , Kenyon P. , Wood M.J. , McEvoy T. G.
Published: June 2019

A key to long-term sustainable enhancement of viable livestock production is the introduction of genetic traits that ensure that fertility and meat quality characteristics are compatible with farming environments and market needs. For example, the sheep industry could benefit if daughters of hill-breed ewes were of a crossbred genotype that enhances both carcass characteristics and fertility traits. Use of sires that confer better conformation is an option but does not significantly boost prolificacy. Introduction of the ‘Inverdale’ fecundity gene could change this. On a flock basis in the Romney breed, mean ovulation is increased by 1.0 and litter size by 0.6 in adult ewes carrying a single copy of this gene (designated as FecXI because it is on the X chromosome; Davis et al. 1992). Carrier males transmit it to all of their female offspring, these being heterozygous carriers of the gene unless it also is maternally inherited. In the latter instance, young would be infertile the homozygous genotype confers an undesirable ‘streak ovary’ phenotype. Although a number of sheep breeds world-wide exhibit significant ‘single gene’ effects on ovulation and litter size (Montgomery et al. 2001), Scottish hill sheep breeds show no evidence of this. Consequently, all ewe lambs generated by crossing these hill ewes with a ram carrying the Inverdale gene should be heterozygous. To ascertain whether such animals exhibit enhanced fecundity, an on-farm study investigated ovulation incidence in cyclic ewe lambs born to Cheviot or Scottish Blackface ewes that had been bred to Texel rams carrying a single copy of the ‘Inverdale’ gene.
The eating quality of Scottish pigmeat - a whole chain approach
Authors: Edwards S.A. , Hunter E.A. , Nute G.R. , Richardson R. I. , Vipond J.E. , Simm G.
Published: June 2019

Whilst many of the on-farm factors identified as enhancing pigmeat meat eating quality are already standard commercial practice, variability in quality is still a problem whose reasons are poorly understood. Particular uncertainty exists about the effect on eating quality of increasing slaughter weight, a current development which facilitates reduced cost of production by spreading carcass overhead costs between more kg of saleable meat. However, this strategy means that pigs will be older at slaughter, which carries uncertainties about the risk of increased toughness and boar taint. In targeting a market for branded pigmeat of high eating quality, there may also be beneficial strategies for adoption in carcass selection and post-slaughter management. These questions were addressed as part of a research project on the improvement of meat eating quality in the Scottish red meat sector.
Effects of social behaviour on patch utilization by sheep in a complex vegetation mosaic
Authors: Sibbald A. M. , Oom S. P. , Hooper R. J. , Anderson R.
Published: June 2019

In heterogeneous environments, such as complex vegetation mosaics, there is likely to be a dynamic interaction between the spatial pattern of the vegetation and the distribution of the animals grazing there. Preferences for particular vegetation types will influence where animals choose to feed and, in turn, changes to the vegetation caused by damage from grazing and trampling will affect the dynamics of the mosaic. Social interactions, amongst highly social grazers such as sheep, can also affect the distribution of the animals, depending on the relationship between the dimensions of vegetation patches and the characteristic spacing of the animals. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between patch utilization and patch size for small groups of Scottish Blackface sheep foraging in a natural heather (Calluna vulgaris ) and grass mosaic.
Novel field margin management to enhance invertebrate biodiversity in intensive livestock farms
Authors: Ramsay A.J. , Potts S.G. , Woodcock B.A. , Tscheulin T. , Brown V.K. , Tallowin J.R.B.
Published: June 2019

Most agricultural grassland in lowland UK is species-poor and structurally uniform. Management intensification has had a deleterious affect on the biodiversity of invertebrates and the suitability of grassland as feeding and breeding habitat for birds (Vickery et al. 20001). The PEBIL project (Defra BD 1444: Potential for Enhancing Biodiversity in Intensive Livestock Farms) is investigating the effects of structural and plant species manipulation on the invertebrate communities of field margins. The different treatments are designed to test the effects of increasing amounts of sward structural heterogeneity, in terms of canopy height, architectural complexity & botanical composition, on faunal abundance and diversity as well as improving food resources for birds.
Quantifying protozoal duodenal outflow in steers by real-time PCR
Authors: Yáñez Ruiz D.R. , Scollan N.D. , Merry R.J. , Newbold C.J.
Published: June 2019

Microbial protein contributes about two-thirds of the amino acids absorbed by ruminants. Information on the proportion of bacterial and protozoal N passing to the duodenum would enhance our understanding of the effect of diet not only on microbial protein synthesis but also on the contribution of bacteria and protozoa to duodenal flow of others metabolites of interest. However, differentiation of the duodenal fractions has proven to be difficult because routine procedures cannot separate microbial protein at the duodenum into bacteria and protozoa (Punia et al., 1992). Molecular techniques that use group-specific rRNA-targeted probes may help overcome these problems. The objective of this experiment was to quantify the flow of protozoal N at the duodenum in steers, fed two silage diets differing in water soluble carbohydrates (WSC) content, by real-time PCR using protozoa specific primers.
Duodenal flow and biohydrogenation of C18 polyunsaturated fatty acids in beef steers fed isonitrogenous and isoenergetic diets with contrasting forage: concentrate ratios
Authors: Lee M.R.F. , Tweed J.K.S. , Scollan N. D.
Published: June 2019

Data on ruminal metabolism of lipids from forages have shown extensive biohydrogenation of C18 polyunsaturated fatty acids (Lee et al. 2003). Recent studies have noted a reduction in biohydrogenation an increase in duodenal flow of C18:1 trans- 11 and a shift in the ruminal production of CLA from cis- 9 trans- 11 CLA towards trans- 10 cis- 12 CLA with increasing amounts of concentrate in the diet (Kucuk et al. 2001, Loor et al. 2004). The study assessed the effect of feeding steers on isonitrogenous and isolipid diets differing in forage concentration and supplemented with linseed oil on ruminal lipid metabolism.
Effect of dietary concentrations of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids on the n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid content of edible poultry tissues: a review and meta analysis
Authors: Rymer C. , Givens D.I.
Published: June 2019

The nutritional benefits of consuming long chain n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), which are predominantly found in oily fish, are well known but consumption of oily fish is declining. Poultry consumption, on the other hand, is increasing, but poultry meat is generally a poor source of long chain n-3 PUFA. The concentrations of the n-3 PUFA α-linolenic acid (LNA), EPA and DHA in poultry meat may be increased by feeding birds diets that are themselves rich in these acids. The objective of this study was to review the literature to determine what relationship if any there was between n-3 PUFA content in the diet and edible tissues of poultry.
Influence of regrouping strategy on performance, behaviour and carcass parameters in pigs
Authors: O’Connell N. E. , Beattie V. E. , Watt D.
Published: June 2019

Large variations in weight within groups of pigs at slaughter lead to either (1) inefficient use of resources as some pigs have to be retained for longer periods in finishing accommodation than others, or (2) large variation in carcass weights, which creates problems for processors. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of creating uniform weight groups at weaning at 4 weeks of age, or at the start of the finishing period at 10 weeks of age, on coefficient of variation in slaughter and carcass weight. The effect of these regrouping strategies on mean production performance during the growing and/or finishing periods was also assessed. In addition, the effect of regrouping pigs at the start of the finishing period on aggressive behaviour was assessed.
Induction of experimental sub-clinical post-weaning colibacillosis in pigs
Authors: Houdijk J. G. M. , Anderson D. H. , Kyriazakis I.
Published: June 2019

Newly weaned pigs are at least partially protected against sub-clinical gastrointestinal disorders through the provision of in-feed antimicrobials. Possible associations with antibiotic resistance to life threatening bacterial infections in humans and environmental pollution will result in their ban. As a consequence, gut health and pig performance will be compromised. Current research is aimed at reducing, and eventually overcoming, such consequences through novel nutritional strategies. Effects of the latter on the consequences of sub-clinical infection may be assessed in an infection model, since the absence of in-feed antimicrobials does not always lead to gastrointestinal disorders, due to e.g. variation in infectious environmental conditions. A common gastrointestinal disorder is post-weaning colibacillosis (PWC), which is caused by enterotoxigenic E. coli (ETEC), and is associated with diarrhoea and reduced food intake, and hence reduced performance. Existing ETEC infection models, which have yielded variable results and employed relatively large infective doses of ETEC, have focused on clinical PWC (Madec et al., 2000). The objective of our experiment was to assess whether sub-clinical PWC can be induced through experimental infection with ETEC, and whether such sub-clinical PWC is sensitive to the level of infection used.
The effects of feeding sainfoin hay in sheep parasitised with Trichostrongylus colubriformis
Authors: Athanasiadou S. , Kyriazakis I. , Jackson F.
Published: June 2019

Sainfoin (Onobrychis viciifolia) is a Mediterranean forage rich in tannins, which has been shown to reduce the faecal excretion of nematode parasites in goats, when offered as hay supplement (Paolini et al, 2003). The use of conserved forages for parasite control may be preferred when either the climatic or agronomic conditions are not appropriate for the grazing of such forages. The aim of this experiment was to investigate whether the consumption of sainfoin hay could reduce the viability and fecundity of adult gastrointestinal parasites, when offered to parasitised sheep at different time points during the course of a parasitic challenge.
The effect of trans- 10, cis- 12 conjugated linoleic acid on milk fat synthesis in lactating sheep
Authors: Sinclair L. A. , Lock A. L. , Perfield J. W. , Teles B. M. , Bauman D. E.
Published: June 2019

Trans- 10, cis- 12 conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), a biohydrogenation intermediate produced in the rumen, is a potent inhibitor of milk fat synthesis. Data from a number of studies where various doses of trans -10, cis -12 CLA have been abomasally infused demonstrate a curvilinear relationship between the percent reduction in milk fat yield and both the dose of trans- 10, cis- 12 CLA infused and the milk fat content of trans- 10, cis- 12 CLA. In addition to a reduction in milk fat output, under some circumstances an increase in milk yield and milk protein output are observed. To date, there has been no examination of the effects of trans- 10, cis- 12 CLA on milk fat synthesis in lactating sheep. The current study was therefore designed to determine if trans- 10, cis- 12 CLA would inhibit milk fat synthesis in lactating sheep. In order to test the effectiveness of trans- 10, cis- 12 CLA in inhibiting milk fat synthesis we used a lipid-encapsulated trans- 10, cis- 12 CLA supplement (LE-CLA) as a means to provide the trans- 10, cis- 12 CLA isomer post-ruminally.