bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of supplemental protein and energy and feeding frequency on the performance of lactating dairy cows fed a protein deficient diet
Authors: Thivierge M. C. , Bernier J. F. , Lapierre H.
Published: April 2011

The objective of this experiment was to study the interaction between feeding frequency and supplementation of a protein-deficient diet with an undegradable protein and energy source on milk production and composition. Eight Holstein cows were used in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement, using a replicated 4 × 4 Latin square design with 14-d experimental periods. The main factors were feeding frequency of the basal diet (two vs. seven times daily) and the addition of a protein-energy supplement fed in seven meals daily. Intake of the basal diet was individually restricted to 95% of previous ad libitum intake. The supplement consisted of 1.71 kg of Pro-Lak® (70% rumen-undegradable protein) and 0.94 kg of dried molasses. The basal diet provided 69, 89, 54, and 95% of the daily requirements of crude protein, rumen-degradable and rumen-undegradable proteins and NEL, respectively. Milk protein yield increased (P = 0.06) by 4% with increased feeding frequency. Milk and milk protein yield both increased (P < 0.01) by 12% with the supplement, but no interaction between feeding frequency and the supplement was observed. Urinary excretion of purine derivatives, an index of rumen microbial protein synthesis, was not affected by treatments. Thus, the results indicate that microbial growth was not affected by meal frequency or the protein-energy supplement, maybe due to the high supply of rumen-degradable protein from the basal diet. The effect of increasing meal frequency on milk protein yield might be related to an increased post-ruminal digestibility of organic matter. Key words: Dairy cows, feeding frequency, milk production, protein, purines
Feed intake, growth and carcass parameters of swine consuming diets containing low levels of deoxynivalenol from naturally contaminated barley
Authors: House J. D. , Abramson D. , Crow G. H. , Nyachoti C. M.
Published: April 2011

The ubiquitous nature of deoxynivalenol (DON) in the eastern prairie region of Canada necessitates the development of strategies to enhance the utilization of affected grains by swine producers. To this end, an experiment was designed to determined the impact of low levels of DON on feed intake and growth of swine. 144 Cotswold pigs (initial weight = 23.4 kg ± 0.3 SE) were assigned to receive diets containing either 0, 1 or 2 ppm DON in the final feed (four pens, each containing six barrows and six gilts, per treatment). The final DON contents of the diets were derived by diluting DON-contaminated barley (DON = 4.9 ppm) with DON-free barley. Diets were formulated to provide a minimum of 13.4 MJ kg-1 digestible energy (DE) and 0.81% total lysine, and the same diets were used throughout the grow-finish period. Feed intake (per pen basis; kg d-1), body weight gains (kg d-1) and feed conversion were measured on a weekly basis. Pigs were slaughtered at approximately 110 kg and indices of carcass merit collected. The presence of 2 ppm DON depressed feed intake by 7.6% (P < 0.05) relative to 0 ppm DON controls, with pigs consuming the 1 ppm DON diet having intermediate levels of feed depression. However there was no significant effect of DON on average daily gain or feed conversion at any stage of the experiment, The presence of DON in the diet increased the proportion of animals reaching 110 kg, estimated from individual regression curves, at times greater than the median value (169.5 d; chi-squared analysis P < 0.05), in gilts, but was without effect on barrows (median = 158.2 d). Measures of carcass weight, index, backfat thickness, and depth of lean over the loin were not affected (P > 0.05) by the presence of DON in the diet, irrespective of gender, however there was significant linear effect of DON (P < 0.05) on the loin premiums received, with higher values realized with increasing DON content in the diet. The current data provide evidence that grains containing DON could be used in the diets of barrows to provide 2 ppm in the final feed however, caution is required when considering their utilization for gilts. Key words: Deoxynivalenol, feed intake, performance, swine, barley, carcass merit
The relationship between beef sire carcass EPD and progeny phenotype
Authors: Crews D. H.
Published: April 2011

Carcass data from purebred steer (n = 207) and heifer (n = 66) progeny of 15 Charolais sires with carcass expected progeny differences (EPD) were used to quantify the relationship between sire EPD and progeny phenotype for hot carcass weight, fat thickness, muscle area, marbling score, and percent lean yield. The model included six slaughter date × sex subclasses, the linear effect of age at harvest (434 ± 18 d), and the appropriate sire EPD for each trait of interest. Differences of the regression coefficients from their theoretical expectation of one were tested using general linear models procedures. Sire EPD was positively (P < 0.0001) associated with progeny performance for hot carcass weight, fat thickness, muscle area, marbling score, and percent lean yield. For all traits, the regression coefficients were not different (P > 0.27) from one. Regression coefficients were 1.16 ± 0.41 kg, 1.27 ± 0.27 mm, 1.23 ± 0.23 cm2, 1.26 ± 0.23 score, and 0.84 ± 0.19% for hot carcass weight, fat thickness, muscle area, marbling score, and percent lean yield, respectively. These results suggest that carcass EPD for hot carcass weight, fat thickness, muscle area, marbling score, and percent lean yield were related to progeny differences at or near theoretical expectations. Selection for carcass merit using appropriate EPD would be expected to be successful. Key words: Beef cattle, carcass, expected progeny difference
Early detection and prediction of infection using infrared thermography
Authors: Schaefer A. L. , Cook N. , Tessaro S. V. , Deregt D. , Desroches G. , Dubeski P. L. , Tong A. K.W. , Godson D. L.
Published: April 2011

Early detection and/or prediction of disease in an animal is the first step towards its successful treatment. The objective of this study was to investigate the capability of infrared thermography as a non-invasive, early detection method for identifying animals with a systemic infection. A viral infection model was adopted using 15 seronegative calves whose body weight averaged 172 kg. Ten of these calves were inoculated with Type 2 bovine viral diarrhoea virus (strain 24515) and five were separately housed and served as uninfected controls. A simultaneous comparison of infrared characteristics in both infected and control animals was conducted over approximately 15 d. In addition, measures of blood and saliva cortisol, immunoglobulin A, blood haptoglobin and clinical scores were obtained. Infrared temperatures, especially for facial scans, increased by 1.5°C to over 4°C (P < 0.01) several days to 1 wk before clinical scores or serum concentrations of acute phase protein indicated illness in the infected calves. The data suggest that infrared thermal measurements can be used in developing an early prediction index for infection in calves. Key words: Infection, early detection, infrared thermography, cattle
Fermentation profiles and degradability measurements in extrusa diet samples collected from brome-suppressed and undisturbed pastures and their relationship to weight gain of steers
Authors: Blümmel M. , Grings E. E. , Haferkamp M. R.
Published: April 2011

The effects of suppression of annual bromes (Bromus japonicus Thunb. and Bromus tectorum L.) by atrazine application on the nutritive quality of extrusa diet samples (EDS) collected from the esophagus were investigated, and EDS quality estimates were compared with weight gain of grazing steers. Analysis on EDS included crude protein (CP), in vitro organic matter degradability (IVOMD), and gas production profiles in N supplemented and unsupplemented incubation media. Brome-suppression tended (P = 0.07) to increase CP content but effects on gas production kinetics and IVOMD were dependent on incubation medium N-level. In N-unsupplemented incubations, asymptotic gas production was less and rates of gas production were greater in EDS from brome-suppressed compared to undisturbed pasture. No such differences were found for N-supplemented incubations. Weight gains of steers grazing brome-suppressed pastures were 16% greater (P = 0.007) than from control pastures. The R2 for the comparison of predicted and measured gains were 0.90 (P < 0.0001), 0.96 (P < 0.0001), and 0.90 (P < 0.0001) using CP, IVOMD (N-low), and IVOMD (N-rich) as the predicting variable, respectively. Best predictions using in vitro gas production measurements were obtained from 24 h gas volume recording (R2 = 0.93, P < 0.0001). Best-fit model (sigmoidal vs. exponential) depended on grazing period and N-level, and the sigmoidal Gompertz model best described most gas production profiles. Key words: Forage quality, gas production, weight gain, beef steers
Distribution of intramuscular fat content and marbling within the longissimus muscle of pigs
Authors: Faucitano L. , Rivest J. , Daigle J. P. , Lévesque J. , Gariepy C.
Published: April 2011

A better knowledge of intramuscular fat (IMF) content distribution would allow the identification of a predictive site on the longissimus muscle to assess the total IMF content. For this purpose, 50 commercial crossbred pigs of both genders were selected live with ultrasound equipment at the 3rd/4th last rib in order to provide backfat differences varying from 10 to 34.7 mm. Left longissimus muscles were deboned and sliced every 2 cm from the posterior (3rd last lumbar vertebra) to the anterior (5th thoracic rib) end. In all, 14 locations on the longissimus muscle were established and labeled as T5-T14 (thoracic region) and L1-L4 (lumbar region). The slices were used for subjective marbling evaluation and for intramuscular fat content (IMF) measurement. The results showed that total IMF content and marbling scores were correlated (r = 0.86) and followed a similar pattern, with highest values being obtained in the middle section of the thoracic region and in the middle-caudal section of the lumbar area. In addition, both IMF content and marbling scores were anatomical location dependant. Gender did not affect IMF content, but influenced marbling score, castrates being more marbled (score: 2.77 vs. 2.35) than females. The IMF content (R2: 0.94–0.95) and marbling score (R2: 0.7–-0.81) were the best predictors of mean IMF when measured at or near the grading site (3rd/4th last rib). Key words: Pork, intramuscular fat, marbling score, longissimus muscle, within muscle variation
Evaluation of Pilgrim, Hungarian, Chinese, Synthetic and Embden strains of geese and their crosses for body weight
Authors: Shrestha J. N. B. , Grunder A. A. , Dickie J. W.
Published: April 2011

The Pilgrim, Hungarian, Chinese, Selected C hinese, Synthetic (developed from Pilgrim, Chinese and Hungarian), Selected Synthetic, Large Embden and Small Embden strains of geese raised from 1980 to 1988 at the Greenbelt farm of the Centre for Food and Animal Research (formerly Animal Research Centre, and Animal Research Institute) in Ottawa, Canada varied significantly in body weight at 9 and 16 wk of age. The Large Embden strain weighed more than the Small Embden strain in 1986, and both were heavier than the Pilgrim strain (P < 0.05). Significantly different body weights for the Large Embden, Small Embden and Pilgrim strains averaged over sexes were 5.03, 4.45 and 3.59 kg, respectively, at 9 wk, and 6.15, 5.49 and 4.33 kg, respectively, at 16 wk. The Pilgrim strain was similar to the Chinese and Synthetic strains in body weight, whereas the Hungarian weighed consistently less (P < 0.05). Body weights for the Pilgrim, Chinese, Synthetic and Hungarian strains averaged over sexes and years 1980, 1983 and 1986 were 3.70, 3.56, 3.70 and 3.37 kg, respectively, at 9 wk, and 4.65, 4.43, 4.53 and 4.17 kg, respectively, at 16 wk. From 1982 onwards, the Chinese and Synthetic strains were selected for four generations in order to increase egg production over a 24-wk laying period and body weight at 16 wk of age, and to simultaneously decrease total fat (abdominal and intestinal). These Selected Chinese and Synthetic strains not only weighed significantly more than their corresponding Chinese and Synthetic strains maintained as randombred populations, but were also heavier than the Pilgrim strain. Corresponding body weights for Selected Chinese, Selected Synthetic, Chinese and Synthetic strains averaged over sexes and years 1983–1988 were 3.72, 3.69, 3.47 and 3.59 kg, respectively, at 9 wk, and 4.69, 4.77, 4.26 an d 4.31 kg, respectively, at 16 wk. The range in heterosis estimates for specific strain cross combinations were as follows: -6 to 8% for the Large Embden × Selected Chinese, 2 to 6% for the Selected Chinese × Selected Synthetic, -2 to 3% for the Selected Synthetic × Selected Chinese, -8 to -9% for the Large Embden × Small Embden, -1 to 1% for the Small Embden × Selected Chinese, and 4 to 8% for the Small Embden × Selected Synthetic. The variability among heterosis estimates for body weight was specific to strain crosses and subject to sampling associated with low number of sires used to produce crossbred offspring as well as the absence of reciprocal crosses. Larger studies evaluating all possible cross combinations of strains for additive and non-additive effects are warranted. Although, the Selected Chinese and Synthetic strains achieved genetic superiority for body weight, the inherent potential in the Embden strain demonstrated considerable merit for use as a terminal sire in a crossbreeding program for commercial geese production. Key words: Embden, Pilgrim; Chinese, Synthetic, Hungarian geese, crosses
Subtherapeutic use of antibiotics in pork production: Risks and alternatives
Authors: Adjiri-Awere Alfred , Van Lunen Theodore A.
Published: April 2011

The purpose of this review is to discuss the issue of subtherapeutic use of antibiotics in pork production and possible alternatives. Specifically, the review describes the potential problem of antibiotic resistance and reviews disease prevention and immune potentiation strategies as alternatives to subtherapeutic antibiotics. In recent years, the use of in-feed subtherapeutic antibiotics by the pork industry for growth promotion and disease prophylaxis has come under increased scrutiny. The potential risk of bacteria acquiring resistance to specific antibiotics and the detrimental effects that this may have on human health has resulted in the banning of certain antibiotics in some European countries. Despite the current interest in the reduction or elimination of subtherapeutic antibiotic use in livestock production, there may be a risk that such a reduction or elimination would have negative effects on animal welfare, nutrient utilization, manure production and economic sustainability. A number of alternatives to subtherapeutic antibiotics appear promising; however, more research is required before they can be considered viable commercial products. Consequently, a systems approach involving nutrition, bacteriology, immunology, pathology and herd management is needed to find a cost-effective and practical way to maximize the efficient production of high-quality pork without the use of subtherapeutic antibiotics. Key words: Pig, pork production, subtherapeutic antibiotics, alternatives
Growth-hormone-releasing factor given to early-pregnant Genex-Meishan and Large White gilts: Effects on growth, carcass, meat quality and histochemical traits of the progeny
Authors: Faucitano L. , Pomar C. , Gariépy C. , Farmer C.
Published: April 2011

The objective of this study was to determine the effects of growth hormone-releasing factor (GRF) given in early gestation on post-weaning performance, carcass and meat quality and histochemical properties of two pig genotypes. Large White (LW, n = 10) and Genex Meishan-derived dam line (GM, with 50% Meishan genes, n = 10) gilts were treated during gestation with either saline injections (control, n = 5 LW and 5 GM), or 6.6 µg kg-1 of a GRF analog (n = 5 LW and 5 GM), given thrice daily from days 18 to 33 of gestation. After birth, at 56 d of age, four piglets (two barrows and two gilts) each from 20 litters were selected, allotted into individual pens and grown to slaughter weight (108.2 ± 2.3 kg). Feed intake was measured daily and pigs were weighed weekly. Prenatal GRF treatment had a detrimental effect (P < 0.05) on daily gain in both genotypes, but did not affect carcass quality. Significant interactions between GRF, genotype and sex (P < 0.01) for colour traits of the longissimus (L) and semimembranosus (SM) muscles and between GRF and genotype (P < 0.01) for shear force of the L muscle were found. GM pigs had lower growth rate (P < 0.01), higher feed intake (P < 0.05), fatter and shorter carcass (P < 0.001) than LW. L and SM muscles from GM pigs were less exudative (P < 0.05) than LW. L muscle from LW had higher percentages of slow oxidative (SO) (P < 0.001) and fast oxidative glycolytic (FOG) (P < 0.01) fibres but lower percentage of fast glycolytic (FG) fibres (P < 0.001) than that of GM. The results suggest that GRF given in early lactation reduces post-weaning growth of pigs from either breed, but does not affect carcass quality. GM pigs have poorer carcass quality than LW. Key words: Gestating gilts, growth hormone releasing factor, growth, carcass characteristics, meat quality traits, muscle fibre, pig
Performance of growing-finishing pigs fed barley-based diets containing toasted or non-toasted canola meal
Authors: Thacker P. A. , Newkirk R. W.
Published: April 2011

Eighty crossbred pigs (28.7 ± 3.9 kg BW) were assigned to one of five dietary treatments in a factorial design experiment (sex × treatment). The control diet was formulated using barley and soybean meal, while four experimental diets were formulated with either toasted or non-toasted canola meal replacing either half or all of the soybean meal in the test diets. The total glucosinolate content of the non-toasted meal was more than 15-fold higher than the to asted meal (1.01 vs. 15.58 µmol g-1). The principal glucosinolates in the non-toasted meal were 3-butenyl (3.05 µmol g-1), 2-OH-3-butenyl (5.47 µmol g-1) and 4-OH-3-methylindoyl (4.68 µmol g-1). Digestibility coefficients for dry matter, crude protein, and gross energy were significantly (P < 0.05) lower for the toasted and non-toasted canola meal diets compared with the soybean meal diet. There were no significant differences (P > 0.05) in digestibility coefficients between the two canola meals. Digestibility coefficients were higher (P < 0.05) for pigs fed the diets in which canola meal supplied only 50% of the supplementary protein compared with diets in which 100% of the supplementary protein was supplied by canola meal. Pigs fed toasted canola meal had similar weight gain, feed intake and feed conversion (P > 0.05) as pigs fed soybean meal while pigs fed non-toasted canola meal had lower weight gain and feed intake (P < 0.05) than pigs fed soybean meal. Feed conversion was unaffected by dietary treatment (P > 0.05). There were no significant effects (P < 0.05) due to diet on any carcass trait. The overall results of this experiment indicate that omitting the desolventization/toasting procedure from the process involved in the production of canola meal did not result in an improvement in the performance of pigs fed diets containing canola meal. Key words: Pigs, canola meal, performance, digestibility, carcass, toasting
Polymorphism detection of porcine PSMC3, PSMC6 and PSMD3 genes and their association with partial growth, carcass traits, meat quality and immune traits
Authors: Wang Y. F. , Yang J. , Yu M. , Liu B. , Fan B. , Zhu M. J. , Xiong T. A. , Li K.
Published: April 2011

PSMC3, PSMC6 and PSMD3 genes encode the proteasome 26S ATPase subunit 3, subunit 6 and the non-ATPase subunit 3, respectively, and exert the function in antigen processing and presentation. So these three genes were considered as the candidate genes that have the effect on porcine production and immune traits in this study. Genetic variations of these three genes were investigated and the single nucleotide polymorphism-based (SNPs-based) association analyses were studied initially. The polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) revealed that there is a MvaI polymorphic site in intron3 of PSMC3 gene and a MboI polymorphic site within intron 5 of PSMC6 gene, as well as a RsaI polymorphic site within exon 10 of the PSMD3 gene. χ2 analysis presented that allele frequencies differed among four breeds (Meishan, Erhualian, Qingping pig and Duroc) at PSMC3 and PSMD3 loci (P < 0.01). Association analysis showed that the PSMC3 gene has an effect on average backfat thickness (P < 0.01), total erythrocytes (P < 0.01) and hematocrit (P < 0.01), and there is a significant association between the PSMD3 genotypes and the mean corpuscular volume. PSMC6 has no effect on the production and immune traits we studied. Key words: Porcine, PSMC3, PSMC6, PSMD3, polymorphism, association analysis
Use of synchrotron-based FTIR microspectroscopy to determine protein secondary structures of raw and heat-treated brown and golden flaxseeds: A novel approach
Authors: Yu P. , McKinnon J. J. , Soita H. W. , Christensen C. R. , Christensen D. A.
Published: April 2011

The objectives of the study were to use synchrotron Fourier transform infrared microspectroscopy (S-FTIR) as a novel approach to: (1) reveal ultra-structural chemical features of protein secondary structures of flaxseed tissues affected by variety (golden and brown) and heat processing (raw and roasted), and (2) quantify protein secondary structures using Gaussian and Lorentzian methods of multi-component peak modeling. By using multi-component peak modeling at protein amide I region of 1700–1620 cm-1, the results showed that the golden flaxseed contained relatively higher percentage of α-helix (47.1 vs. 36.9%), lower percentage of β-sheet (37.2 vs. 46.3%) and higher (P < 0.05) ratio of α-helix to β-sheet than the brown flaxseed (1.3 vs. 0.8). The roasting reduced (P < 0.05) percentage of α-helix (from 47.1 to 36.1%), increased percentage of β-sheet (from 37.2 to 49.8%) and reduced α-helix to β-sheet ratio (1.3 to 0.7) of the golden flaxseed tissues. However, the roasting did not affect percentage and ratio of α-helix and β-sheet in the brown flaxseed tissue. No significant differences were found in quantification of protein secondary structures between Gaussian and Lorentzian methods. These results demonstrate the potential of highly spatially resolved S-FTIR to localize relatively pure protein in the tissue and reveal protein secondary structures at a cellular level. The results indicated relative differences in protein secondary structures between flaxseed varieties and differences in sensitivities of protein secondary structure to the heat processing. Further study is needed to understand the relationship between protein secondary structure and protein digestion and utilization of flaxseed and to investigate whether the changes in the relative amounts of protein secondary structures are primarily responsible for differences in protein availability. Key words: Synchrotron, FTIR microspectrosopy, flaxseeds, intrinsic structural matrix, protein secondary structures, protein nutritive value
Lipid content and fatty acid composition of grasses sampled on different dates through the early part of the growing season
Authors: Mir P. S. , Bittman S. , Hunt D. , Entz T. , Yip B.
Published: April 2011

In order to explore the value of herbage for the production of ruminant products with a high content of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), a study was undertaken to determine the content of fatty acids that can be hydrogenated [hydrogenatable fatty acids (HFA)] in herbage of three cool-season forage grasses, orchardgrass (OG), perennial ryegrass (PRG) and tall fescue (TF). Dry matter (DM) yield, lipid content (ether extract) and fatty acid concentration (weight percent of detected fatty acids) on five sampling dates in the spring of 2004 were determined. HFA is the available substrate for the production and deposition of fatty acid bioconversion products in ruminants that consume the grass. Fatty acid content of the grasses was estimated as the product of fatty acids concentration (weight percent) and lipid content (ether extract), while HFA was estimated as the sum of the content of C18:1, C18:2 and C18:3. The DM yield of the three species of grasses increased (P < 0.05) between Mar. 29 and Apr. 28, after which the increase was observed for TF followed by PRG. However, the lipid content decreased in all the grasses over the 140 d of sampling. Although concentration of the saturated fatty acids and C18:1 and C18:2 increased over the sampling period, the content did not alter substantially. In OG samples, C18:2 concentrations were higher (P < 0.05) than those in PRG or TF in all samples. The concentration and content of C18:3 was highest (P < 0.05) in all the forages, but declined progressively. Results indicate that the availability of HFA is greatest in OG and PRG, especially in the early samples, but DM yields are low; however, later in the season TF produces more DM but with substantially reduced lipid and HFA content. Key words: Orchard grass, perennial ryegrass, tall fescue, hydrogenatable fatty acids, conjugated linoleic acid, ruminants
Review: The composition and availability of straw and chaff from small grain cereals for beef cattle in western Canada
Authors: McCartney D. H. , Block H. C. , Dubeski P. L. , Ohama A. J.
Published: April 2011

Small cereal grain residues are heterogeneous feeds consisting of several botanical fractions: chaff, grain, leaf blade, leaf sheath, internode and node. These parts vary in composition, digestibility, resistance to comminution, intake potential and energy availability. Large differences in the nutritional quality of straw and chaff may occur from year to year and between locations due to effects of environmental conditions on botanical composition and cell anatomy. Stage of maturity, harvest method and weathering will influence composition and quality of the most nutritious parts of cereal residues, the leaf and chaff. In addition, cultivars and species differ in the proportion, anatomy and digestibility of botanical fractions. As a result, the quality of crop residues is highly variable with an economic value that is difficult to accurately assess.

Cereal straw and chaff are of low economic value as they are low in nutritive value, where nutritive value is the product of nutrient intake, digestibility, and efficiency of use. However, due to availability, cereal crop residues have the potential to be a substantial feed resource for beef cows. Previous reviews have not focused on straw and chaff nutrition research relevant to use by beef cattle in western Canada. This review includes discussions on yield and nutritive value with a focus on identifying information deficiencies, including the lack of detailed production statistics for determining residue yields on a regional bases and the need for more detailed nutrient composition to update regional feed data bases for western Canada. Key words: Straw, chaff, nutrient quality, beef cattle
Effect of dietary bacterial protein or L-tryptophan supplementation on welfare and growth performance in silver fox
Authors: Schøyen Hilde Faaland , Rouvinen-Watt Kirsti , Höglund Erik , Peter Stone K. , Skrede Anders
Published: April 2011

The suitability of bacterial protein meal as a feed ingredient in silver fox diets was examined in an experiment comprising 72 juvenile silver foxes. Bacterial protein meal has a high content of tryptophan, which is the precursor for the neurotransmitter serotonin. The biological hypothesis on which this study was premised was that increased brain serotonin production reduces the fear response, which may lead to better welfare and performance through lower energy expenditure related to fear-induced defensive responses. The effect of substituting 15% fish meal with bacterial protein meal was measured by two behavioural tests, growth performance and fur quality, by comparison with a control diet and a diet supplemented with a high level of synthetic tryptophan. The welfare of the foxes fed the diet supplemented with synthetic tryptophan was considered to be improved, as they used shorter time to approach feed in the presence of a person; thus displayed less fear, than the other two groups after treatment. Weight gain of the foxes during 55 d did not differ among diets, and feed consumption was similar. Live grading of the foxes showed that the dietary treatments did not affect fur quality (P > 0.05). It is concluded that 15% bacterial protein meal can replace fish meal in dry silver fox diets and that a large supplement of tryptophan reduces fear of silver foxes kept in cages. Key words: Bacterial protein meal, tryptophan, serotonin, silver fox, welfare, performance
Effects of dietary energy and lysine intake during late gestation and lactation on blood metabolites, hormones, milk compositions and reproductive performance in primiparous sows
Authors: Heo S. , Yang Y. X. , Jin Z. , Park M. S. , Yang B. K. , Chae B. J.
Published: April 2011

The effects of energy and lysine intake during late gestation and lactation on the reproductive performance of primiparous sows were evaluated using 36 gilts. Sows were allocated to six dietary treatments according to a 3 × 2 factorial arrangement and each treatment had six replicates. Three energy levels [low (EL), medium (EM) and high (EH)] and two lysine levels [low (LL) and high (HL)] were used. Gilts with HL intake had more weight (P = 0.004) and backfat thickness (P = 0.047) gain during gestation. Similar changes in sow body conditions were observed during lactation. HL intake resulted in higher litter birth weight (P = 0.001), weaning weight (P < 0.001) and growth rate (P < 0.001) and shortened wean-to-estrus interval (P= 0.001). Energy intake influenced the fat and lactose content while lysine intake influenced the total solids and protein content in milk and colostrum. Gilts with HL had higher insulin and lower creatinine levels during post farrowing and weaning, while triglyceride concentration at weaning increased with increasing of energy intake. The basal and pulses of LH were also influenced by lysine intake. In conclusion, higher lysine intake than those recommended by National Research Council (1998) could improve performance during late gestation and lactation in primiparous sows. Key words: Energy, lysine, gestation, lactation, sows
An intravenous replenishment of salivary components decrease water intake and increases feed intake in freely drinking large-type goats fed on dry forage
Authors: Sunagawa K. , Hashimoto T. , Izuno M. , Hashizume N. , Okano M. , Nagamine I. , Hirata T. , Shinjo A.
Published: April 2011

This research utilized two treatments to investigate if feed intake is reduced by changes in humoral factors induced by dry forage feeding in large-type goats given free access to water. In the control treatment (NI), a solution was not infused. The artificial parotid saliva i.v. infusion (ASI) treatment consisted of an i.v. infusion of artificial parotid saliva in order to replenish NaHCO3 and fluids lost from the blood to the rumen due to increased saliva secretion volume during initial stages of dry forage feeding. The ASI treatment significantly mitigated the decreases in circulating plasma volume caused by saliva secretion. Thirst was lower in the ASI-treated group, as indicated by the lower water intake (NI, 3894 mL 2 h-1; ASI, 3100 mL 2 h-1). Decreases with time in dry forage intake were significantly reduced by the ASI treatment (2134g 2 h-1) compared with the NI control (1756 g 2 h-1). These results indicate that under free drinking conditions, dry forage intake of large-type goats may likely be suppressed by the decrease in plasma volume and increase in water intake following saliva secretion during the initial stages of feeding. Key words: Dry forage intake, water intake, large-type goat
Meta-analysis on the effects of lipid supplementation on methane production in lactating dairy cows
Authors: Eugène M. , Massé D. , Chiquette J. , Benchaar C.
Published: April 2011

A meta-analysis was conducted to statistically determine the effects of lipid supplementation on methane (CH4) production, milk production, and milk composition of lactating dairy cows. For this purpose, a data base was built using seven scientific publications (25 diets) available in the literature and reporting the effects of lipid supplementation on CH4 production, milk production, and milk composition. Lipid supplementation decreased (P < 0.05) dry matter intake (DMI) by 6.4% compared with control diets, whereas production of milk and 4% FCM and milk composition were not changed (P > 0.05). Lipid supplementation decreased (P < 0.05) CH4 production by 9%, either expressed as MJ d-1 or as a percentage of gross energy intake (GEI), digestible energy intake (DEI), or metabolizable energy intake (MEI). This reduction was mainly a consequence of a decreased DMI. Key words: Meta-analysis, lipid supplementation, methane, dairy cows, lactating
The nutritional value of zero-tannin faba bean for grower-finisher pigs
Authors: Zijlstra R. T. , Lopetinsky K. , Beltranena E.
Published: April 2011

The nutrient profile of zero-tannin faba bean and its effects on performance and carcass characteristics of grower-finisher pigs was investigated. In exp. 1, chemical characteristics were analyzed. Faba bean contained (as fed) 27.5% crude protein (CP), 1.75% lysine, 0.88% threonine, and 0.21% methionine. Twelve 55-kg barrows were fitted with an ileal cannula and fed twice daily at 3 x maintenance either a 96% faba bean diet or a 62% faba bean diet containing cornstarch to measure apparent total tract energy and ileal amino acid (AA) digestibility, respectively, and calculate standardized ileal digestible (SID) AA and net energy (NE) content. After a 6-d acclimation, faeces were collected for 2 d and ileal digesta for 2 d. Apparent total tract energy digestibility, and digestible energy and NE content were 88.5%, and 3.47 and 2.27 Mcal kg-1 (as fed), respectively. Apparent ileal digestibility was 85.9, 76.1, and 74.1%, and SID AA content was 1.54, 0.70, and 0.16% (as fed), for lysine, threonine, and methionine, respectively. In exp. 2, 100 grower pigs in 20 pens were fed either a soybean or faba bean-based diet regimenfrom 35 to 115 kg. Diets were formulated to equal NE and SID [Grower (35 to 60 kg), 2.40/3.95; Finisher 1 (60 to 90 kg), gilts 2.38/3.15, barrows 2.38/2.76; Finisher 2 (90 to 115 kg), gilts 2.38/2.92, barrows 2.35/2.55; Mcal kg-1 NE/g SID lysine Mcal-1 NE, respectively] using determined NE and SID values for faba bean. Pigs were weighed, feed intake was measured, and carcass measurements were obtained. From 35 to 115 kg, average daily feed intake (ADFI; 2.58 and 2.56 kg d-1, respectively) and gain (0.96 and 0.98 kg d-1) did not differ between faba bean and soybean meal. Feed efficiency was 0.02 higher for soybean meal than for faba bean in the Grower phase (P < 0.05). At slaughter, back fat thickness did not differ; however, loin depth was 4.0 mm thicker for soybean meal than for faba bean (P < 0.05). In summary, zero-tannin faba bean has an attractive nutrient profile and does not alter ADFI or average daily gain (ADG) of grower-finisher pigs at inclusion rates up to 30%.The reduced feed efficiency in the Grower phase and reduced lean thickness for pigs fed faba bean indicate that dietary AA supply might have been limiting for the faba bean diets early in the study. In conclusion, the zero-tannin faba bean is a worthwhile energy and protein feedstuff to consider in swine feed formulation. Key words: Digestibility, energy, faba bean, growth performance, nutritional value, pig
Effects of lasalocid or monensin on in situ biohydrogenation of flaxseed and sunflower seed unsaturated fatty acids
Authors: Martineau R. , Petit H. V. , Benchaar C. , Lapierre H. , Ouellet D. R. , Pellerin D. , Berthiaume R.
Published: April 2011

The objective of this study was to compare the effects of two ionophores, lasalocid and monensin (24 mg kg-1 dry matter), on in situ biohydrogenation of C18:2 and C18:3 from whole sunflower seed and flaxseed, respectively. There were no treatment effects on biohydrogenation of C18:2. Ionophore supplementation did not affect the lag time, but monensin decreased the rate of biohydrogenation of C18:3 compared with control and lasalocid. Key words: Ionophore, monensin, lasalocid, biohydrogenation (in situ), sunflower seed, flaxseed
The biology of invasive alien plants in Canada. 9. Impatiens glandulifera Royle
Authors: Clements David R , Feenstra Kathleen R , Jones Karen , Staniforth Richard
Published: April 2011

Impatiens glandulifera Royle (Himalayan balsam) is an invasive alien annual up to 3 m in height with showy flowers that are generally pink or purplish. Native to the Himalayan region, I. glandulifera was first recorded in Canada in 1901 in Ottawa, and is now found in eight Canadian provinces: British Columbia, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland. Impatiens glandulifera is typically found in riparian habitats and may spread rapidly because its seeds are readily transported via waterways. Up to 2500 seeds are produced per plant and dispersed explosively up to 5 m from the parent plant. This can result in dense monotypic stands which prevent establishment of native plants and make stream banks vulnerable to erosion when the shallow-rooted plants die back. Impatiens glandulifera is susceptible to glyphosate but because herbicide use in riparian areas is not advised, other control methods such as hand weeding, mowing or flaming have been used. Methods for eradication are most successful when upstream populations are controlled first, as the plants spread downstream. Removal of I. glandulifera should be managed synchronously with non-native control measures and ideally be accompanied by planting native species to ensure the restoration of native species composition. The prognosis for curbing its spread in Canada seems poor as it has quite rapidly become established along waterways in many regions, following a pattern seen over the past two centuries in Europe. Key words: Impatiens glandulifera, Impatiens roylei, Himalayan balsam, impatiente glanduleuse, policeman's helmet riparian, invasive plant, weed biology
Detection of genetic diversity in rough fescue (Festuca campestris Rydb) populations of southern Alberta and British Columbia, Canada, using RAPD markers
Authors: Mengli Zhao , Bing Han , Willms Walter D
Published: April 2011

Mountain rough fescue (Festuca campestris Rydb.) is a tufted native grass in southern Alberta and British Columbia, Canada, and has attracted interest for use in reclamation. However, its seed is often available from only a few localized sources and may not be adapted for areas removed from the collection site. We conducted a study to determine the genetic variability among rough fescue populations to assess its potential adaptation. Thirty plants were collected from each of six populations and analyzed using Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD). One population (Kamloops, BC) was separated by several mountain ranges from the five easterly Alberta populations.The Kamloops population was also separated from the Alberta populations by genetic distance in two clusters. Of the total genetic variation present in the data, 21% was found among populations while the remaining (79%) was found within populations. Nei’s genetic distances among populations were related to their geographical distances. Genetic differences among populations appeared to be caused primarily by differences in gene frequencies rather than rare genes. Also, genetic diversity appeared to increase from west to east suggesting that the more easterly populations had greater adaptation potential. We speculate that the more easterly populations are less likely to share genes since the prevailing winds are from the west. Germplasm from the more easterly populations may be used with suitable precautions within Alberta and possibly around Kamloops. Key words: Genetic distance, geographic distance, reclamation, potential adaptation
Experiences with invasive plant management and ecology in Alberta
Authors: Cole D. E. , King J. R. , Oyarzun D. A. , Dietzler T. H. , McClay A. S.
Published: April 2011

A number of invasive plant management strategies, including competition, fertilizer, herbicide, combination of fertilizer and herbicide, biological control, mowing, grazing management, prevention, eradication and education have been investigated and employed in Alberta. The integrated weed management (IWM) strategies are overlapping, interconnected and based on ecological principles. Research on several invasive plant species, including ox-eye daisy (Leucanthemum vulgare Lam.), scentless chamomile [Tripleurospermum perforatum (Mérat) Laínz] and white cockle [Silene pratensis (Raf.) Godr. & Gren.] has provided ecological information showing the importance of maintaining healthy, competitive plant communities. Key words: Invasive plants, management, ox-eye daisy, competition, Alberta
Bacterial wilt resistance in kidney beans
Authors: Conner Robert L , Balasubramanian Parthiba , Erickson R. Scott , Huang Henry C , Mündel H. -Henning
Published: April 2011

Bacterial wilt, caused by Curtobacterium flaccumfaciens pv. flaccumfaciens, is a widespread problem of dry beans on the Canadian prairies and is listed as a quarantine disease by some countries. The development of resistant cultivars is one of the most effective methods for controlling bacterial wilt. Fourteen kidney bean cultivars were screened against the three variants (yellow, orange and purple) of C. flaccumfaciens pv. flaccumfaciens. High levels of resistance to the three variants were observed in the light red kidney bean cultivars AC Litekid, Chinook 2000 and Redkanner as well as the dark red kidney bean cultivars Cabernet and Red Hawk. These five resistant kidney bean cultivars should be useful sources of bacterial wilt resistance in dry bean breeding programs. Neither of the two white kidney bean cultivars tested consistently showed high levels of resistance to all of the color variants of the bacterial wilt pathogen. Key words: Phaseolus vulgaris, kidney bean, bacterial wilt, Curtobacterium flaccumfaciens pv. faccumfaciens, yellow variant, orange variant, purple variant, resistance
Nitrous oxide emissions from denitrification and the partitioning of gaseous losses as affected by nitrate and carbon addition and soil aeration
Authors: Gillam K M , Zebarth B J , Burton D L
Published: April 2011

National inventories of N2O emissions from agricultural situations are being developed; however, the factors controlling such emissions may vary with soil and environmental conditions and management practices. This study determined the relative importance of soil aeration, as measured by water-filled pore space (WFPS), NO3− addition, C addition and C source on the amount and partitioning of gaseous N losses from denitrification from an arable soil in Atlantic Canada. Denitrification (N2O + N2) and N2O emissions were measured on repacked soil cores using acetylene inhibition.The N2O:(N2O + N2) ratio was frequently 0.7 or higher, indicating that most emissions occurred as N2O. N2O emissions and denitrification were negligible at a WFPS of 0.45 m3 m-3, and high at WFPS of 0.75 m3 m-3, regardless of NO3−or C addition treatments. At a WFPS of 0.60 m3 m-3, N2O emissions and denitrification were low and were increased by both NO3− and C addition treatments. Carbon source was investigated by amendment with glucose, red clover or barley straw. Based on the quantity of soil respiration per unit of C added in the amendment, C in the red clover and barley straw was estimated to be 48 and 28% as available as glucose C. When corrected for C availability, cumulative N2O emissions averaged 0.010, 0.011 and 0.002 mg N kg-1 soil, and cumulative denitrification averaged 0.014, 0.014 and 0.003 mg N kg-1 soil, for each 1.0 mg C kg-1 soil of available C added as glucose, red clover or barley straw, respectively. NO3− addition had no effect on denitrification, but increased N2O emissions, especially where C availability was high. The amount of denitrification was controlled primarily by soil O2 supply, as controlled by WFPS and C availability. The N2O:(N2O + N2) ratio was generally high in cases where the supply of O2 or NO3− was sufficient to meet the demand for terminal electron acceptors. Key words: Denitrification, nitrous oxide, glucose, red clover, barley straw, carbon availability, terminal electron acceptor, aeration
Effect of split application of fertilizer nitrogen on N2O emissions from potatoes
Authors: Burton D L , Zebarth B J , Gillam K M , MacLeod J A
Published: April 2011

The timing of fertilizer nitrogen (N) application influences the availability of NO3− as a substrate for denitrification. This study examined the effect of split application of fertilizer N on N2O emissions and denitrification rate in potato (Solanum tuberosumL.) production over 2 yr. Three treatments were used: 0 or 200 kg N ha-1 at planting, and 120 kg N ha-1 at planting plus 80 kg N ha-1 at final hilling. Fertilizer N application increased cumulative N2O emissions. Split fertilizer N application decreased cumulative N2O emissions in 2003, but not in 2002, compared with all fertilizer N applied at planting. A greater proportion of N2O emissions occurred between planting and hilling in 2003 (67%) compared with 2002 (17%). In 2003, the higher emissions during this period resulted from the coincidence of high soil NO3− availability and increased rainfall resulting in reduced aeration. Split N application was effective in reducing N2O emissions by minimizing the supply of NO3− when demand for terminal electron acceptors was high. N2O emissions were higher in the potato hill relative to the furrow; however, denitrification rate was higher in the furrow. Nitrate intensity (NI) expresses the exposure of the soil microbial population to NO3− and was calculated as the summation of daily soil nitrate concentration over the monitoring period. Cumulative N2O emissions were positively related to NI across year, N fertility treatment and row location. Denitrification was not related to NI, reflecting the primary role of NO3− in influencing the N2O:N2 ratio of denitrification rather than the magnitude of the overall process. Split N application was an effective strategy for reducing N2O emissions in years where there was significant rainfall during the period between planting and hilling. Key words: Denitrification, nitrous oxide, aeration, nitrate intensity, split N application, terminal electron acceptor, Solanum tuberosum
Organic carbon, organic matter and bulk density relationships in boreal forest soils
Authors: Périé Catherine , Ouimet Rock
Published: April 2011

Relationships between soil organic carbon (SOC), organic matter (SOM), and bulk density (BD) were established in acidic loamy to sandy loam fine fractions of forest soils in Quebec (Canada). The interest of such relationships rests with the possibility of using simple and rapid techniques to estimate SOC and BD. It is also a crucial step in establishing the correspondence among several databases when SOC data are obtained using different measurement techniques. In this study, SOC was measuredby dry combustion (SOCNDC) and wet digestion (SOCWD) methods, and organic matter by loss-on-ignition (LOI). Our results suggest that, in these soils: (1) LOI can be used for estimating SOC (r2 = 0.95, RMSEP = 16%) and SOCDC/SOM significantly decreased with increasing depth from 0.49 to 0.27; (2) SOCDC and SOCWD were highly correlated. Even if SOCWD provided near complete recovery of SOCDC, dry combustion remains the preferred method for SOC analysis since recovery decreased with increasing depth from 100 to 83%. (3) BD was also strongly related to SOM(r2 = 0.81). We recommend using the organic density approach to estimate BD from SOM because it allows BD to be predicted without significant bias and with a degree of accuracy of 14%. Key words: Forest soils, soil organic carbon, soil organic matter, soil bulk density