bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
EXTRACTION OF ENZYMES AND ASSESSMENT OF METABOLISM IN BOVINE RUMEN EPITHELIUM
Authors: BUSH ROY S.
Published: March 2010

Papillae collected from the rumens of freshly killed cows were used to estimate the most appropriate methods for enzyme extraction from rumen epithelium and the amount of enzymes in extracts which might be of bacterial origin. Extractions of enzymes from fresh and frozen papillae were compared for the Polytron homogenizer (PT), the Potter-Elvehjem homogenizer (PE), the Waring blender, sonication and acetone powdering plus PE. PE extraction yielded solutions with the highest specific activity for each enzyme. PT extraction released the most protein and total enzyme activity into solution. PT extraction was chosen for the remaining tests because of the high total activity released. Mixed rumen bacteria were homogenized by sonication. Electrophoretic examination of epithelial and bacterial extracts showed differential migration for malate dehydrogenase. Lactate dehydrogenase from the epithelium showed four distinct isozymes whereas the bacterial enzyme showed little distinct band development. Contamination of epithelial extracts by bacterial protein was estimated to be less than 5%. The specific activities of 10 enzymes were found to be similar in epithelial and bacterial extracts so that a small amount of protein contamination would result in only a small contribution to total enzyme activity. The presence of the enzymes assayed in this study plus a number reported in the literature showed that rumen epithelial metabolism is more diverse than previously recognized. Key words: Rumen epithelium, enzymes, extraction
THE FEEDING OF FERMENTED COLOSTRUM TO NEONATAL CALVES. IV. EFFECT OF ENERGY SUPPLEMENTATION OF FERMENTED COLOSTRUM ON PROTEIN UTILIZATION
Authors: DREVJANY L. A. , DONEFER E. , LATRILLE L.
Published: March 2010

Twenty-four Holstein calves were fed fermented colostrum (Streptococcus lactis) treated with sorbic acid, from 4 through 24 days of age to study the effects of increasing the ratio of calculated digestible energy (DE, kJ) to digestible protein (DP, g). Approximate ratios (kJ DE/g DP) studied were 64.4, 82.8, 99.6 and 126.8, which were obtained by adding increasing amounts of a mixture of cerelose (46.4%) and a fat concentrate (53.6%) to the basal colostrum diet. Recorded data included daily feed intake, body temperature, fecal characteristics, weekly body weights and analyses of colostral pH and titratable acidity. At the beginning and end of the experiment, colostrum was analyzed for protein, NPN, fat, lactose and ash. Blood serum samples taken at day 21 were analyzed for glucose and urea. A digestibility study was conducted between days 14 and 17. There was a significant (P < 0.05) increase in gain with each increment of DE (15.9, 103.2, 174.6 and 321.4 g for DE/DP ratios of 64.4, 82.8, 99.6 and 126.8, respectively) and improvement of protein: gain (g/1000 g) ratio (9.095, 1.355, 849 and 444, respectively). Blood urea levels were being negatively correlated (r = −0.67) with DE intake and positively correlated (r = 0.94) with surplus DP. There was a tendency for a reduction in digestibility of fat and protein with increasing supplementary energy. The reduction was significant (P < 0.05) for total solids and lactose equivalent. The equation Y (DE) = 8326 + 12.3 x (ADG) was constructed to describe the relationship between the daily intake of DE (kJ) and ADG (g). The maintenance requirement of the nonruminating calf was estimated as being 176 kJ DE/kg of liveweight and 12.36 kJ of DE required per gram of gain. Energy supplementation of fermented colostrum improved calf growth and decreased blood urea nitrogen but increased the incidence of loose feces. Key words: Digestibility, energy requirements, SUN, energy: protein ratio
DIFFERENCES IN FEEDING AND MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATED WITH MILK YIELDS IN ONTARIO DAIRY HERDS
Authors: FREDEEN A. H. , MacLEOD G. K. , GRIEVE D. G. , McMILLAN I. , WILSON G. F.
Published: March 2010

Data were collected on feeding and management factors in 56 DHI and ROP tie-stall dairy herds in Ontario during three visits to each herd throughout a production year. High herd average milk yield was associated with high average nutrient intake (specifically energy and crude protein). Owners of high-producing herds demonstrated superior feeding and management. High nutrient intake in early lactation was associated with special efforts to increase intake and maintain cow health during the periparturient period. Higher proportions of concentrate were fed postpartum. Dry cows were more often separated from lactating cows and rations were more frequently balanced in response to changes in type and quality of forage fed in high-yielding herds. Longer calving intervals and high percent days in milk contributed directly to lower yield by extending lactations into the downward portion of the lactation curve. Key words: Feeding, management, dairy cattle, Ontario
THE EFFECT OF ALFALFA AS A SOURCE OF FIBER IN STARTER DIETS FOR HEIFER CALVES
Authors: FISHER L. J.
Published: March 2010

Starter diets were formulated to contain 6.6, 12.4, 17.7 and 21.9% fiber by the addition of 0, 20, 40 and 60% reground dehydrated alfalfa to a barley-based concentrate. Sixty Holstein heifer calves were randomly assigned at birth to one of these four diets which were fed free choice from 7 to 70 days of age. Whole milk was fed at 10% of body weight from birth to 56 days. Dry matter intakes were 0.47a, 0.59ab, 0.61b and 0.60ab kg/day and body weight gains were 0.44a, 0.58b, 0.69b and 0.56ab kg/day for diets containing, 0, 20, 40 and 60% alfalfa, respectively (means followed by a common letter are not significantly different (P < 0.05)). Diet did not influence blood components except for blood urea nitrogen which was higher for calves fed diets containing 40 and 60% alfalfa. The amount of fiber in the diet did not influence the incidence of scouring or other disorders. Calves which had scoured for 2 or more days had reduced rates of gain and feed efficiency compared with heifers that did not scour. Dry matter digestibility, as estimated by total fecal collections from six bull calves per diet, was 85.4, 78.7, 73.7 and 75.1 for the diets containing 0, 20, 40 and 60% ground dehydrated alfalfa, respectively. Key words: Alfalfa, dairy calves, digestibility, scours, feed efficiency
THE RESPONSE OF LACTATING COWS AND GROWING HEIFERS TO TREATMENT FOR PARASITES
Authors: FISHER L. J. , MacNEILL A. C.
Published: March 2010

A series of three trials, two with lactating cows and one with growing heifers on pasture, utilized over 200 cows and heifers to establish whether there was a production response to the anthelmintic, "Tramisol" (levamisole phosphate). The lactating cows were subdivided into control and treated animals at parturition. Treated animals were injected with Tramisol on the day following parturition and 8 wk later. Heifers were treated when they were put out to pasture and every 4 wk thereafter. In the first trial with lactating cows there was no effect of treatment on milk yield or milk fat percent but body weight loss was less during the first 84 days for the treated versus control cows. In the second trial with lactating cows, milk yield was higher for total lactation and from 57 to 180 days for the treated cows. Body weight loss was also less during the first 50 days of lactation. There were no differences between the control or treated groups in either number of services required or days open. Heifers injected with Tramisol, when put on pasture, gained more body weight than control animals, particularly during periods of stress. Considering that the parasitic infestation in the herd was low the positive responses observed in these trials, although variable, warranted the conclusion that, in the majority of dairy herds in the area, routine anthelmintic treatment would be beneficial. Key words: Milk yield, growth, dairy cattle, anthelmintic treatment
BROWN MIDRIB-3 VERSUS NORMAL CORN PLANTS (Zea mays L.) HARVESTED AS WHOLE PLANT OR STOVER AND FROZEN FRESH OR PRESERVED AS SILAGE FOR SHEEP
Authors: BLOCK ELLIOT , MULLER L. D. , KILMER L. H.
Published: March 2010

Brown midrib (bm) mutants of corn contain less lignin than normal (N) corn. No previous research has compared whole plant and stover of bm and N corn plants. Corn plants from N and isogenic mutant bm3 were harvested as whole plant (WP) or stover (St), and stored fresh frozen (F) or as fermented silage (S). A 2 × 2 × 2 factorial arrangement was used for the factors of mutant type (bm3 and N), plant portion (WP and ST) and storage method (S and F). A 9-day metabolism study was conducted, with 32 wethers assigned to the following forage combinations: (1) bm3WPS; (2) bm3StS; (3) NWPS; (4) NStS; (5) bm3WFF; (7) NWPF; and (8) NStF. Lignin content of bm3 forages was about 2 percentage units less than that of their N counterparts. Digestibilities of dry matter (DM), energy, acid and neutral detergent fiber (ADF and NDF) and cellulose were greater for the bm3 forages and intakes of digestible nutrients were 20–25% higher for those forages. These findings were attributed to the reduced and altered lignin of bm3. Comparison of WP and St showed that DM digestibility, DM intake (DMI), digestible DMI and digestible energy and crude protein intakes were greater for WP than for St. Differences between storage methods were not significant. A plant type by storage method interaction was found for the apparent digestibility of NDF, ADF, cellulose and energy, and for the intake of digestible NDF and ADF. These measurements decreased for WP and increased for St with ensiling. The increase in St digestibility could have been due to partial degradation of the cell wall, while the decrease in WP digestibility could have been due to a larger loss of NDF and soluble carbohydrates during fermentation. Tendencies existed for the feeding value of bm3St (F and S) to surpass that of NSt (F and S) and to approach the feeding value of NWP (F and S). Key words: Brown midrib-3, corn plants, silage, lignin, corn stover, sheep
PRESERVATION AND FEEDING VALUE OF POTATO-HAY MIXTURES ENSILED IN WINTER
Authors: NICHOLSON J. W. G. , MISENER G. C. , McQUEEN R. E.
Published: March 2010

Two experiments were conducted to determine if mixtures of potatoes and hay would preserve satisfactorily when ensiled in cold weather. The first experiment involved 3:1 (wt/wt) mixtures of pulped potatoes and chopped hay ensiled in plastic bags and stored for 4 wk at −18 °C, 2 °C or 20 °C. Very little fermentation took place at 2 °C and none at −18 °C as judged by subjective assessment and chemical analyses. Fermentation proceeded normally when the bags were moved from the two cold environments to the 20 °C heated room. Two concrete-stave upright silos (4.25 m diam.) were each partly filled with a 3:1 (wt/wt) mixture of potatoes and hay in February. The daytime temperature was about 0 °C during silo filling. Legume hay (28% ADF, 14% CP) was used in one silo and timothy hay (35% ADF, 8%CP) in the other. Temperatures recorded throughout the winter and spring showed that fermentation took place over an extended period. Temperatures near the center of the silos averaged 3–5 °C warmer than those near the edges. Both silages had desirable appearance, odor and chemical parameters when fed to yearling steers in June-August. There was little difference in the silage dry matter intake by steers fed the two silages and daily weight gains (0.97 kg/day) were not significantly different. Steers fed the potato-legume hay silage had a higher dressing percentage and carcass weight (P < 0.01). It was concluded that potato-hay mixtures ensiled in winter preserved satisfactorily and supported acceptable weight gains by steers when the silage was fed the following spring and summer. Key words: Potato, hay, silage, winter, cattle
THE TRUE METABOLIZABLE ENERGY AND AMINO ACID CONTENT OF CANDLE, ALTEX AND REGENT CANOLA MEALS
Authors: MUZTAR A. JABBAR , SLINGER S. J.
Published: March 2010

Rapeseed (Canola) meals derived from two B. napus cultivars, Altex and Regent, were studied for their true metabolizable energy (TME) and amino acid (AA) contents and the results were compared with meal from the B. campestris cultivar, Candle. The TME was determined by force-feeding the ingredients singly as well as by feeding them ad libitum for 1.5 h in conjunction with a basal diet. The Regent meal showed a significantly (P < 0.05) higher TME value than Altex or Candle when fed singly. However, based on the results obtained by ad libitum feeding of these samples mixed with a basal diet, there was no significant (P > 0.05) difference in the TME values of any of the three meals. This latter result was in keeping with their proximate composition which was fairly similar for all three meals. When calculated as a percentage of the protein, Candle meal was slightly higher in most of the essential AA as compared with the Altex and Regent meals. However, considering all of the parameters used, the new cultivars Altex and Regent should be as vauable for the nutrition of poultry as the Candle meal. Key words: Canola meal, Candle, Altex, Regent, True metabolizable energy, amino acids
EFFECTS OF AMMONIATION ON THE COMPOSITION AND NUTRITIONAL QUALITY OF LOW GLUCOSINOLATE RAPESEED (CANOLA) MEAL
Authors: KEITH M. O. , BELL J. M.
Published: March 2010

Commercial No. 1 Candle rapeseed (canola) (Brassica campestris) was prepress solvent extracted and heated to 105 °C at the desolventizing step (control meal). Samples of the canola (low glucosinolate) meal were also treated with ammonia or steam or both at the desolventizing step. The meals were analyzed chemically and subsequently fed to 70 growing pigs in a factorial experiment. Digestibility of the meals was determined separately. Ammoniation increased the crude protein (% N × 6.25) concentration from 39 to 42%, decreased the proportion of alkaline soluble nitrogen and increased the available lysine level. Both ammonia and steam reduced glucosinolate concentrations but usually at least half the glucosinolates remained after any treatment. Compared with a soybean meal control diet, diets containing 10% treated canola meals did not affect daily gains, feed intakes or feed:gain ratios when fed to pigs. Ammoniation had little effect on crude protein digestibility of canola meal but, in combination with steam, reduced the energy digestibility. Based on these results, there appeared to be no advantage in ammoniating canola meal as a means of improving its nutritional quality in swine diets. Key words: Rapeseed meal, low glucosinolate, ammoniation, nutritional quality, composition, pigs
COMPOSITION AND DIGESTIBILITY BY PIGS OF HULL FRACTIONS FROM RAPESEED CULTIVARS WITH YELLOW OR BROWN SEED COATS
Authors: BELL J. M. , SHIRES A.
Published: March 2010

Hull fractions from yellow seed (Brassica campestris 'R-500') and brown seed (Brassica napus 'Tower') cultivars of rape were fed to pigs at levels of 0, 15 and 30% of the diet in a digestibility trial. Whole seed, 'meats' (embryo) and hull fractions were analyzed for moisture, protein, ether extract, crude fiber, neutral and acid detergent fiber, lignin, ash, calcium, phosphorus, sinapine, glucosinolates and gross energy. Brown hulls contained more fiber and lignin. The embryo content of the yellow hulls fraction was greater than that of the brown hulls fraction. Increasing dietary levels of hulls depressed digestibility of dry matter, energy, crude fiber and ether extract. Brown hulls had the greatest effect. The effect on ether extract digestibility may have been due to lower digestibility of unextracted oil in embryo fractions adhering to hulls. The digestibility coefficients of Tower and R-500 added oils were 87 and 75%, respectively, and the same oils residing in the meats were 36 and 44% digestible. The energy components of hulls per se were more digestible in R-500 than in Tower. Protein of Tower hulls was indigestible, but R-500 hull protein was about 20% digestible. Key words: Rapeseed hulls, yellow brown, composition, digestibility, pigs
RELATIVE GROWTH PATTERNS OF INDIVIDUAL MUSCLES IN THE PIG
Authors: RICHMOND R. J. , BERG R. T.
Published: March 2010

The muscle-weight distribution and relative growth rate patterns were determined for 96 muscles and nine anatomical muscle groups dissected from half carcasses of pigs from two studies. The first study involved 109 pigs representing barrows and gilts of three breed groups, fed two rations differing in energy and protein and slaughtered at weights ranging from 23 to 114 kg liveweight. The second study involved 72 pigs representing barrows and gilts of two breed groups, fed one of three levels of a low-energy ration and slaughtered at one of three liveweights from 68 kg to 114 kg. Of the 96 muscles dissected, 69 muscles each weighed less than 1% of total muscle, five ranged from 3 to 7% and one muscle was more than 10% of total muscle. Relative growth rate patterns of individual muscles and anatomical muscle groups from pigs were compared with other studies from cattle and sheep. Generally, relative muscle growth in pigs over the range in liveweight studied appeared to be more monophasic than in cattle or sheep. Relative growth rate of muscles and subsequent muscle distribution appeared to be related to muscle function. Muscles associated with mobility immediately after birth showed much earlier development than those concerned with propulsion. Muscles involved with posture appeared to grow at the same relative rate as total muscle. Key words: Pig, growth, muscle growth
REPRODUCTION OF MICE FED LOW GLUCOSINOLATE RAPESEED MEAL CONTAMINATED WITH SCREENINGS MEALS AND WEED SEED MEALS
Authors: ROSE S. P. , BELL J. M.
Published: March 2010

Three samples of defatted fine rapeseed screenings meals and defatted stinkweed (Thlaspi arvense) seed meal were used at 5 and 15% (wt/wt) to contaminate low glucosinolate rapeseed meal (LG-RSM). Defatted lamb's-quarters (Chenopodium album) and smartweed (Polygonum spp.) seed meals were also used, at levels of 1.7 and 5% (wt/wt) contamination. The contaminated LG-RSM was included at 15% (wt/wt) in diets fed to female adult mice during a 2-wk preliminary period, pregnancy, lactation and the first 18 days of the second pregnancy. There was a nonsignificant trend (P > 0.05) for the female mice fed stinkweed meal to have the lowest body weight throughout the two pregnancies, although those fed the six contaminants, and the uncontaminated LG-RSM control diet had an equivalent number of offspring born in the two pregnancies and surviving to weaning. Male offspring of mice fed the higher levels of contaminants tended to have a lower (P > 0.05) body weight during the early part of the lactation period. A decreased availability of protein and energy in these diets possibly resulted in decreased milk production. The numbers of blastocysts implanted, embryos resorbed, fetal deaths and malformed fetuses were similar among the dietary treatments. Key words: Rapeseed meal, weed seeds, glucosinolates, mice, reproduction
REPRODUCTION OF MICE FED LOW ERUCIC ACID RAPESEED OIL CONTAMINATED WITH WEED SEED OILS
Authors: ROSE S. P. , BELL J. M.
Published: March 2010

Processed oils from three samples of fine rapeseed screenings and stinkweed (Thlaspi arvense) seeds were used to contaminate low erucic acid rapeseed oil (LE-RSO), each at two levels (5 and 15%). The contaminated oils were fed at 20% weight/weight (wt/wt) of a purified diet to virgin female Swiss mice for a 2-wk preliminary period and then during the first 18 days of gestation. Two control diets were also fed, the first containing 20% (wt/wt) of the uncontaminated LE-RSO and the second containing 20% (wt/wt) of a lard:corn oil mixture. The mice fed one screenings-oil contaminant had a decreased number of live fetuses, probably due to an inferior palatability of the diet and hence a reduced feed intake of these animals. The screenings oil and stinkweed oil contaminants had no further deleterious effects on the reproductive performance or teratogenic susceptibility of the mice. However, mice fed the lard:corn oil control diet had an increased incidence of cleft palate in their fetuses compared with mice fed LE-RSO. The presence of weed seed oil in low erucic acid rapeseed oil, at levels exceeding those likely to be encountered in commercial practice, resulted in no evidence of teratologically deleterious factors being present, but level of feed intake was affected in some cases, perhaps because of reduced palatability. Key words: Weed seed oil, rapeseed oil, erucic acid, mice, reproduction
THE EFFECT OF GROUP SIZE AND HOUSING DENSITY UPON BOAR PERFORMANCE
Authors: SATHER A. P.
Published: March 2010

The effects of housing density and group size were examined for 1094 performance-tested Lacombe boars fed ad libitum, and housed in confinement on solid concrete floors in 1.2-m × 2.4-m (one or two boars per pen) or in 2.4-m × 2.4-m (three to six boars per pen) pens. There was no evidence to suggest that housing density (2.88 m2 to 0.96 m2 per boar) had any effect upon average backfat, average daily gain or feed conversion ratio. The number of boars per pen (two versus four) with constant housing density (1.44 m2 per boar) did not appear to influence the production traits. Single- and group-penned boars had no significant difference in their performance. Within the management practices typical of swine performance evaluation stations (i.e. small group size, low housing density, and feed rations for optimum growth) there was no supportive evidence that penning systems affected the performance traits. Thus, boar performance data from test stations need not be biased by group size nor housing density, and the generalities drawn from single- and, or, group-penned performance trials do not appear to be compromised. Key words: Swine, management, performance, housing density
THE ASSOCIATION BETWEEN CLINICAL DISEASE, PRODUCTION AND CULLING OF HOLSTEIN-FRIESIAN COWS
Authors: MARTIN S. W. , AZIZ S. A. , SANDALS W. C. D. , CURTIS R. A.
Published: March 2010

A study of the association between disease occurrence, level of production and culling in 18 southern Ontario purebred Holstein-Friesian herds was conducted. The rate of culling increased by approximately 3% per year of age (P < 0.05). Culled cows had lower milk production, were milked longer and had longer calving intervals in the lactation completed prior to culling, than their herdmates (P < 0.05). After control for age effects, the associations between production level and culling were not significant. Culled cows had a lower rate of ketosis and higher rates of foot problems and dystocia in the last completed lactation than nonculled cows. Culled cows had higher rates of nonparturition-related metritis and lower rates of ovarian cystic disease than nonculled cows. Despite the differences in disease occurrence and level of production between culled and nonculled cows, clinical disease(s) observed by veterinarians and poor production explained only a small proportion of culling in dairy cows. Key words: Association, culling, disease, production, Holstein-Friesian
THE EFFECT OF ANGLE OF CUT ON THAW-DRIP AND COOKING LOSSES AND PALATABILITY ATTRIBUTES OF STEAKS FROM SPECIFIC MUSCLES
Authors: JEREMIAH L.E. , MURRAY A.C.
Published: March 2010

Steaks cut at three angles (approximately 0, 45, and 90°) to the longitudinal axis of the muscle fibers of three muscles (biceps femoris (BF), semitendinosus (ST) and psoas major (PM) were evaluated. The magnitude of differences observed among angles of cut in certain muscles suggest that angle of cut should be considered as a source of variation in measurements of cooking losses and taste panel evaluations. Key words: Angle of cut, palatability, cooking losses, thaw-drip losses, beef
THE MEASUREMENT OF SUBCUTANEOUS FAT THICKNESS IN COLD BEEF CARCASSES WITH AN AUTOMATIC PROBE
Authors: JONES S. D. M. , HAWORTH C. R.
Published: March 2010

Left sides from 360 cold beef carcasses were probed at the 11th rib site for fat thickness at three positions (1/4, 1/2 and 3/4 positions). Each probe measurement was repeated and the fat thickness at the three sites was then measured using a ruler. Comparison of probe readings with ruler measures showed that the probe consistantly overpredicted fat thickness by margins ranging from 3 to 8 mm (P < 0.001). Regression of probe readings on ruler measures showed that only in the 1/4 position was the slope not different (P > 0.05) from unity. Regression of the first probe reading on the repeated reading also showed that the slope for the 1/4 position was not different (P > 0.05) from unity. Key words: Beef, carcass grading, fat thickness, FDI
ASSESSMENT OF HEAT DAMAGE TO PROTEIN DIGESTIBILITY FROM FISH MEALS BY IN VITRO PEPSIN SOLUBILIZATION AT DIFFERENT TEMPERATURES
Authors: MARCH B. E. , HICKLING D. R.
Published: March 2010

A control fish meal and an overheated fish meal were compared by in vitro digestion with pepsin at concentrations of 10−5 to 10−1 and at temperatures from 10 to 40 °C. The reduction in protein solubilization caused by over-heating was most evident with pepsin digestion at 10 and 20 °C and suggests modification of the standard method when evaluating fish meals to be fed to cold-water fish. Key words: Protein digestibility, pepsin digestibility, fish meal, cold-water fish
HERITABILITIES AND GENETIC CORRELATIONS FOR ULTRASONIC BACKFAT MEASUREMENTS, GROWTH AND CARCASS TRAITS IN SWINE
Authors: JEFFRIES D. C. , PETERSON R. G.
Published: March 2010

Genetic parameters were estimated for 2403 purebred Yorkshire pigs over a 2-yr period, representing 21 sires. The traits studied included average daily gain, age adjusted to 90 kg, ultrasonic measurements of backfat at the mid-back and loin positions, total and adjusted total ultrasonic backfat and corresponding carcass backfat measurements. Least squares analyses were used to estimate and adjust for the effects of sex, year-season and sex by year-season interaction. Heritabilities and genetic correlations were calculated for all traits using both half- and full-sib estimates. Adjusted age and adjusted total ultrasonic backfat measurements were found to have the highest heritabilities of the live traits in this study. Estimates of heritability for adjusted age and adjusted total ultrasonic backfat were 0.24 ± 0.10 and 0.26 ± 0.10 based on half-sib and 0.56 ± 0.07 and 0.41 ± 0.06 from full-sib analyses. The genetic correlation between these two traits was −0.07 ± 0.28 based on the half-sib method. The total phenotypic correlation was −0.01 ± 0.02. Key words: Swine, ultrasonic backfat, heritabilities, genetic correlations
EFFECTS OF INITIAL AGE AND WEIGHT ON TEST DAILY GAINS OF STATION-TESTED BULLS
Authors: TONG A. K. W.
Published: March 2010

Average daily gain (ADG) of 8620 bulls of the Angus, Charolais, Hereford, Limousin, Simmental and Shorthorn breeds, tested during 1969–1980 from 15 performance test stations across Canada was used to assess the effects of initial age and weight on test ADG and to estimate the environmental correlations between pretest and on-test ADG. From a linear model which included effects of station-years, breeds and the within-breed linear covariates of initial age and weight, the linear partial regressions for initial age were only significant for Angus (P < 0.05) and Limousin (P < 0.01), suggesting initial age has little effect on on-test ADG within the age range covered by these data. The linear partial regression values of on-test ADG on initial weight, ranging from 0.30 (for Charolais) to 0.86 (for Angus) g/kg were significant for all breeds, except for Simmental, indicating bulls with the highest initial weight for a given age would be expected to make the greatest gain on test. The phenotypic correlations between pretest and on-test ADG were low with values ranging from 0.02 to −0.15. Highly significant (P < 0.01) environmental correlations were found, ranging from −0.27 for Angus to −0.62 for Limousin when the same set of genetic parameters was assumed for all breeds, ranging from −0.22 for Shorthorn to −0.52 for Charolais when breed-specific genetic parameters were used. These environmental correlations suggest that differential degrees of compensatory growth likely occurred during the test period and bulls from a poor pretest environment tended to gain more than bulls from a better pretest environment. Results of this study support frequently expressed concern about the existence of pretest farms effects. Key words: Station test, gain on test, age, weight, environmental correlation
GROWTH PERFORMANCE OF LAMBS SIRED BY RAMS OF THE EAST FRIESIAN, FINNISH LANDRACE, ILE DE FRANCE AND SUFFOLK BREEDS
Authors: SHRESTHA J. N. B. , PETERS H. F. , HEANEY D. P.
Published: March 2010

Lamb weights at birth, weaning and at 100 and 140 days of age were studied on 82 purebred Suffolk, 673 single-cross and 142 backcross lambs sired by four East Friesian, three Finnish Landrace, 11 Ile de France and six Suffolk rams. These rams were bred to Suffolk, Shropshire and Ottawa (MM) synthetic strain ewes, and to single-cross ewes sired by the same four ram breeds from 1971 to 1974. There was no significant effect of breed-of-sire on weight of single-cross and backcross lambs at weaning or at 100 and 140 days of age. Lambs sired by Finnish Landrace and East Friesian rams weighed less (P < 0.01) at birth than those sired by Suffolk and Ile de France rams. Backcross lambs by East Friesian sires had slightly heavier lamb weights at 100 and 140 days of age compared with Suffolk-sired lambs from backcross matings. Key words: Sheep, breed evaluation, ram, growth, exotic, single-cross, backcross
SEX OF CALF AND AGE OF DAM ADJUSTMENTS FOR SOME PERFORMANCE TRAITS IN TWO POPULATIONS OF BEEF CATTLE
Authors: SHARMA A. K. , WILLMS L. , HARDIN R. T. , BERG R. T.
Published: March 2010

Sex of calf and age of dam effects on birth weight, preweaning ADG, 180-day weaning weight; and age of dam effects on yearling weight, postweaning ADG in males, and 18-mo weight in females were studied in a Hereford and a beef Synthetic population. The effects of breed, sex of calf, age of dam and year were significant on preweaning traits. The superior milking ability of Synthetic cows over Herefords was more pronounced for male than female calves. Additive and multiplicative adjustment factors were calculated from the least squares analyses. Additive adjustments for age of dam and multiplicative adjustments for sex of calf were found most suitable for preweaning traits. Three methods of application of adjustment factors were studied. Multiplicative sex of calf adjustment followed by additive age of dam adjustment was found to be most effective as indicated by the reductions in mean squares for main effects and interactions. Additive and multiplicative age of dam factors are presented for yearling weight in males and 18-mo weight in females. Use of additive factors is recommended. Extending weaning weight age of dam adjustments for postweaning traits was not found suitable in this study. Key words: Beef cattle, age and sex, adjustment factors
EVALUATION OF pH-RELATED ASPECTS OF PORK QUALITY BY CAPACITANCE MEASUREMENTS IN AN ABATTOIR
Authors: SWATLAND H. J.
Published: March 2010

Two experiments were undertaken in a commercial abattoir to study the correlations of pH and electrical capacitance (measured on intact sides of pork) with physical aspects of the ultimate quality of the longissimus dorsi muscles of loin chops. In the first experiment, the pH of the right longissimus dorsi at 45 min postmortem was correlated with the paleness (CIE %Y) of the right longissimus dorsi at 5 days postmortem (r = −0.37, n = 40, P < 0.01). In the same experiment, the capacitance measured on the middle of the face of the adductor muscle exposed on the left hindlimb was correlated with the paleness of the right longissimus dorsi at 5 days postmortem (r = −0.41, P < 0.01). In the second experiment, other correlations of capacitance with ultimate meat quality were detected. For example, the capacitance of the left adductor near the pubis at 45 min was correlated with the paleness of the right longissimus dorsi (r = 0.27, n = 40, P < 0.05) and with the paleness of the right psoas major (r = 0.33, P < 0.025). Also, the capacitance of the right longissimus dorsi at 45 min was correlated with the exudate from compressed samples of the same muscle at 5 days (r = 0.39, P < 0.005). Key words: Pork quality, electrical capacitance, abattoir testing
THE INFLUENCE OF ZERANOL ON FEEDLOT PERFORMANCE AND CARCASS TRAITS OF CULLED COWS AND HEIFERS
Authors: PRICE M. A. , MAKARECHIAN M.
Published: March 2010

A total of 126 cows and heifers culled from the University of Alberta beef herd were used in an experiment to study the effects of zeranol, an anabolic growth stimulant. The cattle were divided into two groups: 67 aged less than 4 yr (young) and 59 aged more than 4 yr (mature); within each group, three treatment levels of zeranol were applied (0, 36 or 72 mg/head of the commercial implant Ralgro®). All cattle were fed ad libitum a high-energy diet, and after 68 days the young group were slaughtered at a commercial packing plant; after a further 7 days the mature group were slaughtered at the same plant. Nine carcasses from each treatment level within the young group were fabricated into trimmed commercial cuts at the packing plant. Growth rates among double-implanted (72 mg) cattle were similar to those among single-implanted (36 mg) cattle; in the mature group, the growth rate was also similar in the control (0 mg) cattle. In the young group, implanting zeranol (36 mg or 72 mg) gave a 7–8% (P > 0.05) increase in growth rate. Zeranol caused no detectable changes in carcass traits or cut-out yields. Key words: Zeranol, cull cows, carcass traits
DENTITION AS A MEASURE OF PHYSIOLOGICAL AGE IN COWS OF DIFFERENT BREED TYPES
Authors: GRAHAM W. C. , PRICE M. A.
Published: March 2010

Counting the number of permanent anterior (incisor plus canine) teeth is a well-established method for estimating physiological age in cattle. In this study, 1295 observations were made on cows and heifers representing five breed types and ranging in age from 475 to 2035 days. None of the breed types were identified as having an early- or late-maturing dentition. It was concluded that dental age classifications provide a viable alternative to the physiological maturity classes currently used in the Canadian Beef Carcass Grading System. Key words: Cattle, physiological age, dentition, carcass grading
INFLUENCE OF AGE AND BREED ON CIRCULATING LH, FSH AND TESTOSTERONE LEVELS IN THE RAM
Authors: SANFORD L. M. , PALMER W. M. , HOWLAND B. E.
Published: March 2010

Possible age and breed differences in circulating levels of luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and testosterone in the ram were investigated. In exp. 1, blood was collected from a group of 28 rams of various ages and breeds by venepuncture from the jugular vein at 20-min intervals for an 8-h period (May). Comparison of mean serum hormone concentrations for postpubertal Finnish Landrace (Finn), Suffolk and Managra Synthetic (Line M) rams did not reveal significant (P > 0.10) breed differences. However, when rams of the three breeds were categorized by age, the mean (±SE) LH levels in lambs (n = 8), yearling (n = 12) and adult (n = 8) animals were 2.1 ± 0.4, 1.1 ± 0.2 and 0.5 ± 0.1 ng/mL, respectively; the significant decrease (P < 0.05) in LH levels in adult vs. yearling rams was due to fewer and smaller LH releases. Mean testosterone levels averaged 1.3 ± 0.2, 2.8 ± 0.4 and 2.4 ± 0.3 ng/mL for the lamb, yearling and adult ram groups, respectively. FSH levels were similar for all age groups. In exp. 2, a series of blood samples were collected from 3-mo-old Finn (n = 6) and Suffolk/Line-M crossbred (n = 6) rams in October. In comparison with crossbred rams, rams of the more prolific Finn breed exhibited substantially higher mean levels of LH (1.0 ± 0.2 vs. 0.4 ± 0.2 ng/mL; P < 0.10), FSH (250 ± 26 vs. 121 ± 16 ng/mL; P < 0.01) and testosterone (2.8 ± 0.9 vs. 0.4 ± 0.1 ng/mL; P < 0.05); higher LH and testosterone in Finn rams were associated with larger and/or more frequent elevations in the level of these hormones during the 8-h bleeding period. Results of this study seem to indicate (1) age-associated differences in the pattern of LH release in adult rams in the spring; and (2) that breed differences in blood reproductive hormone levels in postpubertal rams are not significant in the spring, but levels in 3-mo-old rams differ during the fall months according to genotype. Key words: Age, breed, gonadotropins, testosterone, serum, ram
REGRESSION ANALYSIS OF FACTORS AFFECTING MILK YIELD OF DAIRY COWS
Authors: FREDEEN A. H. , MacLEOD G. K. , McMILLAN I. , GRIEVE D. G.
Published: March 2010

By using a forward selection multiple regression technique, 60% of the total sums of squares (SS) in either average daily milk yield (DCA) or average BCA milk among 56 Ontario dairy herds was accounted for by selected feeding and management factors. Herd average body weight had a strong positive influence on both DCA and BCA milk and was associated with higher nutrient intake. High production was associated with shorter calving intervals (CI) and therefore shorter lactations. Whereas average days in lactation had a strong negative influence on DCA, average CI adversely affected both DCA and BCA milk. Differences in feed quality and nutrient intake (primarily energy) accounted for most of the remaining variation in milk yield between herds. The inability of dairymen to monitor intake of energy-dense feeds was an important factor limiting herd yield. Key words: Milk yield, dairy cows, feeding and management factors
PERFORMANCE OF LAMBS FED MILK REPLACERS HAVING TWO LEVELS OF FAT
Authors: HEANEY D. P. , SHRESTHA J. N. B. , PETERS H. F.
Published: March 2010

Two experiments were conducted to study the growth performance of lambs artificially reared and fed lamb milk replacers (MR) containing 30% fat (HF) or 24% fat (LF) in the dry powder. Both MR contained 24% crude protein, were identically supplemented with vitamins and minerals and were reconstituted at one part powder to five parts water. There were no differences in weaning weights (WW) or average daily gains (ADG) among the HF vs. LF lambs in the first experiment. In the second experiment both WW and ADG were significantly (P < 0.05) higher for LF lambs compared to HF lambs. There were no differences in ADG among lambs weaned from MR at an average age of 28 days and those weaned at 21 days of age for either of the two MR. The effects of MR fat level were identical at both weaning ages. Survival rates and feed consumption were similar for lambs fed the two MR. It was concluded that the fat level of MR could be reduced to 24% without adversely affecting lamb performance and that such a reduction would have substantial economic benefits because of the lower cost of the MR with the reduced fat level. Key words: Lambs, milk replacers, artificial rearing, fat levels
THE VALUE OF CANOLA SEED IN POULTRY DIETS
Authors: SUMMERS J. D. , SHEN HUILE , LEESON S.
Published: March 2010

Canola seed fed to broilers at dietary levels of 17.5%, or higher resulted in reduced weight gain and feed intake. However, feed:gain ratios to 7 wk were similar. Nitrogen digestibility and amino acid supplementation studies appeared to rule out these factors as possible explanations for the poorer performance on Canola seed diets. The good feed:gain ratios of the Canola seed diets suggest that feed intake or palatability, rather than quality of diet, may have been factors influencing weight with these diets. Results of an experiment, where an attempt was made to verify this hypothesis, with pair-fed treatments and the use of pelleted and colored diets to stimulate consumption, suggested that palatability could be part of the problem. Apparent retention of dietary fat was significantly lower with the Canola seed, as compared with the corn-soya control diets. Whether this response was due to dietary fat level per se, or specific to Canola oil, could not be determined from the present study. Key words: Canola seed, broiler diets, palatability
REPRODUCTIVE PERFORMANCE AND MEAT PRODUCTION OF GILTS BRED AT PUBERTY AND RESTRICTED IN FEED INTAKE
Authors: FRIEND D. W. , ELLIOT J. I. , FORTIN A. , LARMOND E. , WOLYNETZ M. S. , BUTLER G.
Published: March 2010

Sixty-one gilts, bred at puberty, were fed 1.2 kg of diet daily until day 84 of pregnancy, 1.4 kg to day 99 then 1.6 kg to farrowing. Thirty of their litters were weaned at 21 days (21 W), the others within 12 h of birth (0 W); 28 of the gilts were marketed 12 ± 3 days postweaning, the others were re-bred. Twenty-two unbred gilts were treated similarly to the bred gilts and 13 additional gilts selected at 91 kg body weight were used as conventional, market weight pigs. Age at puberty averaged 164 days; bred gilts were heavier than unbred at 85 and 100 days gestation. Number of piglets born averaged 9.1 total and 8.5 alive. Carcasses of the weaned gilts were lighter in weight than those of the unbred controls and had less backfat thickness than the lighter market weight pigs; total percentage yield of trimmed, deboned meat was not affected significantly. There were no significant differences in flavor, juiciness and tenderness of loin (m. longissimus) and ham (m. semimembranosus) meat between the market weight carcasses and those of the other four groups. Weaning to breeding interval for the 21 W and 0 W gilts bred for a second time averaged 23 and 38 days and embryo mortality was 15 and 21%, respectively, at 30 ± 3 days gestation. Key words: Puberty, gilts, feed restriction, once-bred, meat quality
THE EFFECT OF PHASE-FEEDING ON EGG PRODUCTION AND EGG QUALITY OF WINTER-HOUSED WHITE LEGHORN HENS
Authors: CAVE N. A. , HAMILTON R. M. G.
Published: March 2010

Two experiments with nine strains of Single Comb White Leghorn hens were conducted to compare laying house performance of hens given a diet of uniform protein content or a phase-feeding diet in which protein content was reduced from 156 to 148 and then to 140 g/kg at 273 and 414, or 273 and 384 days of age. Performance criteria were egg production, feed and protein intake, egg, quality, egg weight, mortality and body weight. Phase-feeding allowed reductions of 4.2 and 4.3% in protein consumption without reducing egg production, mortality or, except in one strain, body weight. There was an increase of 0.5% in feed consumption, but feed cost was reduced by 1.3%. Phase-feeding increased Haugh units by 0.3% and decreased specific gravity of eggs in one experiment, decreased percent visibly-cracked eggs in the other experiment and had no effect on percent blood spots. Depending on strain, phase-feeding had a variable effect on egg weight in exp. 1 but had no effect in the second experiment. Key words: Phase-feeding, protein utilization, egg production, hen
EFFECT OF DIET COMPLEXITY AND FEED RESTRICTION ON THE INCIDENCE AND SEVERITY OF DIARRHEA IN EARLY-WEANED PIGS
Authors: BALL R. O. , AHERNE F. X.
Published: March 2010

Seventy-two crossbred pigs were weaned at 3 wk of age and fed either a simple or semicomplex diet. Each diet was fed at three levels of feed intake: ad libitum, restricted intake by limiting time exposed to the feeder and restricted feed intake by regulating the amount of feed per day. The effects of diet and feeding system were assessed by monitoring piglet performance and incidence and severity of diarrhea. Diet complexity did not significantly affect pig performance. Restriction of feed intake significantly reduced performance compared to that of pigs fed ad libitum. There was no significant difference in performance between pigs fed by either of the two methods of feed restriction. The diarrhea which occurred with pigs fed the semicomplex diet was significantly more severe (P < 0.01) than that which occurred with those fed the simple diet. Restriction of feed intake by weight of food fed significantly reduced the incidence and severity of postweaning diarrhea. Limiting time exposed to the feeder was not a satisfactory method of reducing diarrhea as it resulted in greater incidence of diarrhea than did ad libitum feeding. Diarrhea significantly reduced performance. Restricting feed intake by the methods used in this experiment reduced performance more than did the diarrhea. The number of days taken to reach 90-kg liveweight was not affected by diet complexity, feeding method or diarrhea in the immediate postweaning period. Key words: Diet complexity, feed restriction, pig diarrhea
THE EFFECTS OF HYDROUS AND ANHYDROUS AMMONIA TREATMENTS ON THE NUTRITIVE VALUE OF LOW GLUCOSINOLATE-TYPE RAPESEED MEAL (CANOLA MEAL) FOR CHICKS
Authors: GOH Y. K. , SHIRES A. , ROBBLEE A. R. , CLANDININ D. R.
Published: March 2010

The effects of sparging low glucosinolate-type rapeseed meal (Canola meal) with ammonia, in the absence or presence of steam, on its amino acid composition and feeding value for chicks were studied. Sparging treatments had no effects on the amino acid contents of the meals nor were thyroid size or the growth of chicks affected adversely when the variously treated meals were included in diets for chicks at the 20% level. Sparging with steam appeared to increase the available lysine content of the meal and improve its feeding value for chicks. Key words: Canola meal, ammoniation, sinapine, nutritive value, chicks
EFFECTS OF SUPPLEMENTING A LAYING RATION CONTAINING RAPESEED MEAL WITH ANTIBIOTIC DRUGS ON THE FISHY ODOR AND TRIMETHYLAMINE CONTENT OF EGGS PRODUCED BY BROWN-EGG LAYERS
Authors: GOH Y. K. , SHIRES A. , ROBBLEE A. R. , CLANDININ D. R.
Published: March 2010

Two experiments were conducted to study the effects of supplementing a laying ration containing rapeseed meal (RSM) with antibiotic drugs on the fishy odor and trimethylamine (TMA) content in eggs laid by brown-egg layers. Brown-egg layers (Rhode Island Red) which had been previously found to lay eggs with a fishy odor when fed a ration containing 10% RSM were used in these studies. In exp. 1, a basal laying ration containing 10% RSM was fed to 16 groups of brown-egg layers (12 birds per group) for a pretreatment period of 4 wk. Quadruplicate groups of these birds were then allotted to each of four treatments for a period of 4 wk. These were the basal ration without supplementation with antibiotic, and the basal ration supplemented with either aureomycin (220 g/1000 kg), penicillin (55 g/1000 kg) or with sulfamethazine in the drinking water (1000 g/1000 kg). Eggs produced by birds during the last week of the pretreatment and treatment periods were scored organoleptically for fishy odor and pooled egg samples from each group were analyzed quantitatively for TMA. The results showed that neither fishy odor score nor TMA levels in the eggs produced were affected by the addition of aureomycin or penicillin to the diet or by the inclusion of sulfamethazine in the drinking water. In exp. 2, 10 groups of brown-egg layers (five birds per group) were fed the same RSM-containing basal laying ration for 4 wk. Following the pretreatment period, duplicate groups of the birds were assigned to each of five rations prepared by supplementing the RSM-containing ration with penicillin at levels of 0, 27.5, 55, 82.5 and 110 g per 1000 kg. Eggs produced by the birds during the last week of the pretreatment and treatment periods were evaluated organoleptically for fishy odor and pooled egg samples from individual birds were analyzed for TMA quantitatively. Results obtained indicated that supplementing the RSM-containing laying ration with penicillin had no significant effect on the TMA content of the eggs produced. Key words: Canola meal, antibiotics, fishy egg, trimethylamine, layers, chicken.