bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ingestion and metabolic profile in horses offered lucerne or chalk as a source of calcium
Authors: de Behr V. , Daron D. , Gabriel A. , Remy B. , Cabaraux J.F. , Dufrasne I. , Istasse L.
Published: June 2019

When horses are on diets that are predominant in cereals, the combination of low concentrations of calcium in the diet and the binding of calcium by phytates may result in inadequate calcium intake (Rose, 1990). Chalk and dehydrated lucerne are rich in calcium. It has been shown that the voluntary ingestion of lucerne varies with its form (Cuddeford, 1994). The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of different sources of calcium (chalk vs dehydrated lucerne) and lucerne forms (6 mm diameter pellets, 18 mm diameter pellets and ground lucerne) on the ingestion and on the metabolic profile in horses offered a cereal-based diet.
Consistency in piglet mortality in individual sows and factors affecting piglet mortality
Authors: Fujita K. , D’Eath R.B. , Jarvis S.
Published: June 2019

Pre-weaning mortality (11.9% as estimated by M.L.C., 2000) continues to be a major economic and welfare problem in commercial indoor pig production. The main causes of mortality are crushing by the sow and low viability/starvation. Both of these causes of death may be as a result of increasing sow body size and smaller piglet body size as a result of intense genetic selection for increasing litter size. However it is unclear whether sows are consistent across parities in their level of pre-weaning mortality. Therefore this study aimed to examine individual differences in piglet mortality of sows throughout their reproductive life, investigate factors likely to affect piglet mortality, and to assess whether piglet mortality may be a candidate trait for genetic selection.
The development of maintenance energy requirement and energetic efficiency for lactation from production data of lactating dairy cows
Authors: Agnew R. E. , Yan T. , Murphy J. J. , Ferris C. P. , Gordon F. J.
Published: June 2019

The energy feeding systems currently adopted for dairy cows in Western Europe and North America were developed from calorimetric data published 30 years ago. However, the calorimetric measurements were usually undertaken with a small number of trained animals, housed for a short period in respiration chambers. The objective of the present study was to use production data to develop the metabolisable energy (ME) requirement for maintenance (MEm) and the efficiency of ME use for lactation (kl) for dairy cows.
The effect of cow genotype on energy partitioning between milk and body tissue
Authors: Yan T. , Agnew R. E. , Keady T. W. J. , Mayne C. S.
Published: June 2019

In an extensive review of energy metabolism of dairy cows, Agnew and Yan (2000) concluded that high genetic merit cows are capable of partitioning more energy into milk and less into body tissue when compared to low genetic merit cows. The objective of the present study was to use production data for a complete lactation to evaluate the effect of cow genotype on energy partitioning between milk and body tissue.
An investigation of the efficiency of nutrient utilization for milk production by Holstein and Norwegian breeds of dairy cattle
Authors: Agnew R. E. , Porter M. G. , Yan T. , Mayne C. S. , Keady T. W. J.
Published: June 2019

Holstein-Friesian cattle are the predominant breed of dairy cattle in Northern Ireland. Breeding programmes for the Holstein Friesian have focused on improved milk production with little emphasis on functional traits such as fertility or disease resistance. In contrast Norwegian dairy cattle have been bred via a multi-trait selection procedure and there is evidence that problems associated with disease and fertility have tended to decrease in recent years. It is important, however, to investigate possible differences in efficiency of food use and partitioning of nutrients between the two breeds which may offset the potential advantages of improvements in secondary characteristics. Consequently, the objectives of this experiment were firstly to investigate the effects of breed type on the efficiency of utilization and partitioning of nutrients for milk production and secondly to investigate if there are differences in the energy requirement for maintenance and the efficiency of utilization of ME for lactation (kl) between the two breeds.
Energy balance profiles for the first three lactations of dairy cows estimated using random regression
Authors: Coffey M.P. , Simm G. , Brotherstone S.
Published: June 2019

The replacement of lost body tissue in modern dairy cows usually takes place later in the same lactation, once milk output begins to decline. Individual cows may not regain all lost body energy in the first lactation leading to a greater deficit to be replenished in the second. This results in carry-over effects from one lactation to the next, on both yield and non-yield traits. The use of random regressions and Fourier series allows modelling of cyclical changes in a trait over seasons (Meyer, 2000) and could be used to model multiple lactation energy balance changes in dairy cows. Parameters of these cyclical functions might then be analysed for relationships with traits of economic importance such as health, fertility and survival. The objectives of this study were 1) to model phenotypic daily milk yield, fresh feed intake, liveweight and condition score using random regression techniques, 2) to combine daily estimates obtained in objective 1) into an overall energy balance for each day of the first three successive lactations, 3) to compare energy balance curves over three lactations and 4) to investigate the feasibility of modelling energy balance in the first three lactations using harmonic analysis.
Long-term effect of food intake on adipose tissue and leptin secretion during long days in Soay rams
Authors: Marie M. , Findlay P.A. , Thomas L. , Adam C.L.
Published: June 2019

Circulating leptin, the obese gene product secreted by adipocytes, is sensitive to short-term (meals, starvation) and long-term (spontaneous food intake, food restriction) changes in energy balance in sheep (Marieet al2001). The present study aimed to explore relationships between adiposity, adipose tissue from different sites and blood leptin concentrations in rams kept in long days when adiposity is normally high.
Odd-chain fatty acids as markers of the microbial colonisation of freshly-ingested grass and microbial contamination of dacron bag residues
Authors: Kim E. J. , Evans R. T. , Tweed J. K. S. , Davies D. R. , Merry R. J. , Dewhurst R. J.
Published: June 2019

The overall objective of our work is to assess the relative contributions of plant enzymes and rumen microbes to rumen degradation of freshly-ingested herbage. In situ techniques have been used extensively to compare rumen degradation characteristics of feeds, though there remain technical problems associated with microbial contamination of residues after incubation. We hypothesised that techniques to study microbial contamination might also provide insights into microbial colonisation. Our earlier studies (Lee et al., 1999) identified distinctive odd-chain fatty acids that could be used as microbial markers. A dacron bag study was conducted to examine the influence of dacron bag rinsing techniques on DM disappearance and microbial contamination in residues from fresh grass, assessed using odd-chain fatty acids as markers.
The relationship between metabolisable energy concentration and nutrient digestibility in grass silages offered to sheep at maintenance
Authors: Agnew R. E. , Yan T.
Published: June 2019

The energy feeding systems used for dairy cows recommend that the metabolisable energy (ME) concentration of a feed at maintenance feeding level is calculated from its digestible nutrients. The objective of the present study was to develop equations to calculate the ME concentration from digestibility data for grass silages
The effect of management system at lambing and flock genetics on lamb output on lowland sheep farms
Authors: Carson A.F. , Dawson L.E.R.
Published: June 2019

Systems of lowland sheep production in the UK and Ireland are labour intensive with survey data indicating an average level of labour input of 6.0 to 8.0 hrs/ewe/year (Connolly, 2000). With declining returns from lamb production, management options with reduced labour requirements, such as outdoor lambing, need evaluation. Flock genetics may also influence labour requirements and determine the effectiveness of grass-based lambing systems. Therefore, the aims of current study were firstly to evaluate the effect on lamb output of controlled grass-based lambing systems compared with housing ewes in late pregnancy and lambing indoors and secondly to examine the effect of crossbred ewe genotype and ram breed on lamb output with grass-based and indoor lambing systems.
Expected increases in genetic merit in the UK Aberdeen Angus beef cattle breed from applying optimised selection
Authors: Avendaño S. , Villanueva B. , Woolliams J.A.
Published: June 2019

Best Linear Unbiased Prediction (BLUP) estimates of breeding values (EBVs) for economically relevant traits have been used for selection decisions in the UK Aberdeen Angus (AA) population since the early nineteen nineties. Selection exclusively based on BLUP-EBVs is expected to give higher gains than less accurate selection but can also lead to increased rates of inbreeding (ΔF). Dynamic rules using BLUP-EBVs to maximise genetic merit while DF is constrained to a pre-defined level are currently available (e.g. Grundy et al 1998). They showed that the use of these rules gives higher gains than standard BLUP selection at the same level of ΔF. The objective of this study was to investigate the potential of these procedures for optimising selection decisions in the UK AA population.
Genetic lag in a Meishan x Large White pig backcross population: A simulation study
Authors: Wall E.E. , Woolliams J.A. , Visscher P.M.
Published: June 2019

Backcrossing can be used as a tool to introduce new alleles into a population. Having detected an allele of interest in a non-commercial (donor) line, backcrossing methods introduce the allele into a commercial (recipient) population whilst minimising the contribution of the less superior donor genome. Many alleles linked to the desired donor allele are incorporated into the recipient line by a phenomenon called linkage drag. Loci in the region of the target locus may trace back to a common ancestor and become identical by descent (IBD). This leads to a loss of diversity around the target locus. The linkage drag and contributions from ancestral recipient populations mean that the backcross population suffers genetic lag for commercial traits. This study aims to investigate the effect of population size and number of backcross generations on genetic lag, linkage drag and IBD around a target allele reducing back fat found in the Chinese Meishan breed when backcrossed to a commercial Large White population.
The effect of auditory stimulation on the behaviour of kennelled dogs
Authors: Wells D. L. , Graham L. , Hepper P. G.
Published: June 2019

The value of auditory enrichment for psychological well-being has been studied in a variety of species, including birds, cattle, horses and primates. To date the effect of auditory stimulation on the behaviour of dogs housed in rescue shelters is unknown. Rescue shelters provide temporary housing for thousands of stray and abandoned dogs every year. However well these dogs are cared for, it cannot be ignored that being in such a situation is stressful. Research suggests that music may be a useful moderator of stress in humans. The question remains as to whether auditory stimulation has such a beneficial effect in dogs. This study investigated the behaviour of sheltered dogs in response to five types of auditory stimulation to determine whether the dogs’ behaviour was influenced by their auditory environment.
Why do people bring dogs back to the pound? A questionnaire study in Milan, Italy
Authors: Mondelli F. , Levi D. , Magistrelli S. , Prato Previde E. , Valsecchi P.
Published: June 2019

The ASL (Local Sanitary Agency) dog pound in Milan is a sanitary structure where stray dogs (dogs which have run away from their owners, abandoned dogs and free ranging dogs) are housed after being found. Dogs cannot be adopted during the first 10 days. After this period, dogs stay in the same structure if space is available (and can be adopted), otherwise they are put in private kennels for unlimited time. Only dogs which are seriously sick or proved to be aggressive and dangerous can be put down through euthanasia (Law 281/91). When an adopted dog is brought back to the pound, the adoptive owner is asked to fill in a questionnaire. However, not everyone accepts to do so.

The aim of this study is to understand: a) the reasons why dogs adopted from the pound are then left again; b) what influences the owner’s decision to leave their pet; c) if the decision is linked to problems caused by the dog or to the owner’s choice.
Meta-analysis of experiments investigating cadmium accumulation in the liver and kidney of sheep
Authors: Prankel S. H. , Nixon R. M. , Phillips C. J. C.
Published: June 2019

Cadmium (Cd) accumulates in the human food chain and poses a risk of kidney dysfunction (Fanconi Syndrome) and bone disorders in humans. The margin of safety between typical Cd intakes by humans and levels associated with toxicity is smaller than for other metals. Consumption of just one sheep kidney could cause an average adult person to exceed their Provisional Maximum Tolerable Daily Intake. However, the rate of accumulation in sheep’s liver and kidney, the primary target organs for Cd accumulation, is unclear. This makes prediction of the effects of varying Cd intake by sheep on the Cd concentration in these organs difficult. We undertook a meta-analysis of independent feeding trials, which sought to integrate previous findings in order to review existing legislation on permitted levels of Cd in animal feeds and organs. Resulting predictions on Cd accumulation in sheep liver and kidneys are applicable to the broad set of exposure situations investigated in the individual studies.
Digestibility and nitrogen retention in Creole pigs fed with feedstuffs available in peasant systems in south of Mexico
Authors: Trejo Lizama W. , Santos Ricalde R. H. , Casso R. B. , Anderson S.
Published: June 2019

Peasant pig production in South of Mexico consist in kept pigs in the backyard. This is a complementary activity for the family income. The pigs are a significant source of protein, but their real meaning lay in their role as a “peasants’ savings bank”, an asset that could easily be tapped into when cash is needed. In this system Creole pigs are used mainly. The Creole pig is descendent from Iberico and Celtico pigs carried from Spain after the conquest of Mexico five hundred years ago. The Creole pig is fatter, have a reduced liveweigth gain and less fertility in comparison to selected breeds of pigs. However, these characteristics are an advantage for the peasant pig system, due to low nutrient requirements of Creole pigs that match very well with the feed available from the agriculture such as maize, Mucuna beans (Stilozobium deerengianum) and forages. The objective of this experiment was to evaluate digestibility and nitrogen retention in Creole pigs fed with feedstuffs obtainable from agriculture in peasant systems in comparison with a diet utilised commonly in commercial pig production systems.
Influence of dietary zinc oxide and antibiotic addition on gut morphology, microflora and digesta pH in piglets
Authors: Pickard J. A. , Wiseman J. , Varley M.A.
Published: June 2019

Evidence from studies involving zinc supplementation is equivocal. Carlson et al., (1999) stated that both early- and traditionally weaned pigs must be fed 3,000 ppm Zn for at least the first 2 weeks after weaning to enhance growth. Others have also demonstrated that weanling pigs exhibit increased growth performance when fed pharmacoloigcal concentrations of zinc (Zn) as zinc oxide (ZnO) (e.g. Hahn and Baker, 1993). However, the mode of action has not yet been fully elucidated. Specifically, there is no research available on the effects of pharmacological Zn concentrations on piglet gut morphology and gut microflora load. Accordingly a preliminary study was designed to examine the effects of dietary Zn and growth-promotant levels of avilamycin supplementation on gut morphological characteristic (villus height, width and crypt depth), together with gut microlflora characteristics, and digesta pH which is an independent factor influencing microflora colonisation.
The effect of dry matter concentration of liquid diets on the growth performance of grower-finisher pigs
Authors: Beal J.D. , Brooks P.H. , Gill B.P.
Published: June 2019

There is a considerable body of information on the voluntary feed intake of pigs fed on dry diets. However, there is a paucity of information on the factors affecting feed intake of pigs fed liquid diets. Pigs have a limit to their volumetric intake and will normally maximise dry matter intake when fed dry diets, ad libitum. For pigs fed dry feed the requirement for water per unit of dry matter will be dependent upon the composition of the feed and the requirement for renal clearance of nitrogen and minerals. What is not clear, is whether presenting the feed mixed with water results in excessive water intake that produces a point loading of the stomach, which in turn limits voluntary feed intake, i.e. whether physical bulk limitations override the normal homeostatic control. Therefore, it is not possible to extrapolate from data generated with dry fed pigs and anticipate voluntary intake of pigs fed dilute liquid diets. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of dry matter concentration of liquid feed on feed intake and growth performance of grower-finisher pigs.
A detoxification method of Khorasan cottonseed meal gossypol for broiler chicken rations
Authors: Tabatabai-Yazdi F. , Salarmoini M.
Published: June 2019

Cotton is one of the main agricultural crops of Iran. The potential of cottonseed meal (CSM) for poultry nutrition is limited by the presence of gossypol, a toxic polyphenolic pigment. Gossypol exists in CSM in two forms, free and bound. Free gossypol, as defined by AOCS official methods, are those gossypol and gossypol derivatives that are soluble in aqueous acetone and are physiologically active. Bound gossypol is insoluble in ether, chloroform or aqueous acetone and for the most part is physiologically inactive (Berardi & Goldblatt, 1980). The objectives of the experiments reported herein were to study of gossypol reduction by dehydrated ferro sulfate( DFS) and lecithin and also the feeding value of a commercially processed CSM in broiler diets.
Effect of date of mating and housing on lamb growth, adipose tissue deposition and plasma leptin concentrations
Authors: Pearce S. , Mostyn A. , Genever E. , Keisler D.H. , Webb R. , Symonds M.E. , Stephenson T.
Published: June 2019

In lambs, the rapid increase in heat production after birth is due to initiation of nonshivering thermogenesis in brown adipose tissue (BAT). This occurs in conjunction with an increase in amount and activity of BAT specific uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1) (Clarke et al. 1997). UCP1 abundance and activity is low in fetal life but, within twelve hours of birth, there is an increase in the thermogenic activity of BAT and mRNA for UCP1. This ontogeny of UCP1 mRNA in BAT is very similar that of leptin, which is first detectable in the sheep fetus at 90 days gestation in fetal adipose tissue, its expression then increases up to term at 147 days (Yuen et al 1999). Leptin is a hormone which is thought to play a physiological role is in energy balance, it is primarily produced by white adipose tissue although there is evidence for its production in both brown adipose tissue and the placenta. Lambs born in the autumn are known to be smaller than those born in the spring (McCoard et al. 1997). It is not known if moderate changes in date of mating can influence birth weight or adipose tissue development. The present study aimed to determine whether date of mating could influence lamb birth weight, the abundance of BAT, UCP1, plasma leptin.
Post-partum blood leptin concentrations and energy balance in first calving dairy heifers
Authors: Wylie A.R.G. , Devlin D.J. , Keady T.W.J. , Mayne C.S. , Agnew R.E. , Yan T.
Published: June 2019

Blood concentrations of leptin, the first of several recently-discovered adipocyte proteins, putatively signal the extent of fat energy reserves to the hypothalamus in mammals and help regulate food intake and reproductive activity (through control of GnRH release). In early post-partum dairy cows, the rapidly increasing milk energy output and slowly increasing feed energy intake produce a negative energy balance (-ve EB) that is met by mobilisation of adipose fat stores and the severity and/or duration of the –ve EB may delay resumption of normal ovarian activity. The objective of the current study was to compare post-partum EB and serum leptin concentration profiles in Holstein-Friesian and Norwegian Red heifers, both of high genetic merit within their breed.
The influence of dietary conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) on serum leptin concentration in lactating sows
Authors: Corino C. , Magistrelli D. , Bontempo V. , Rosi F.
Published: June 2019

Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) is a mixture of geometrical and positional isomers of linoleic acid. Health-promoting properties of CLA, which include antioxidant, anti-obesity and anticarcinogenic activities, have been demonstrated in a wide range of animal models (Pariza et al., 2001). Recent studies indicated the CLA has a favorable effect on immune competence in nursery (Bassaganya-Riera et al., 2001) and weaned pigs (Corino et al., 2001). For this reason CLA may be useful in sow nutrition to increase CLA content in colostrum and milk (Bee, 2000). However CLA-fed animals displayed also significantly reduced body fat (Pariza et al., 2001) and this effect may be detrimental to reproductive efficiency in sows per se and for the effects on metabolic hormones as well. Moreover some CLA isomers has been reported to influence leptin gene expression (Houseknacht et al., 1998). The present study examined the effects of dietary supplement of CLA on serum leptin in lactating sows.
The effect of gender and physical parameters on plasma concentrations of leptin and thyroid hormones in the horse
Authors: Geering R. R. , Johnson P. J. , Lean I. J. , Clarke L
Published: June 2019

Leptin is a signalling factor involved in the regulation of body weight and is synthesised predominantly by adipocytes. In humans, there is a positive correlation between plasma concentration of leptin and body mass index (kg/m_a3) and subcutaneous fat (Considine et al., 1996; Lonnqvist et al., 1995). In vitro adipocytes obtained from women secrete more leptin than those of men (Casabeill et al., 1998). Furthermore, testosterone inhibits the expression of the leptin gene in the rat (Wu-Peng et al., 1999). The aim of this study was to examine whether gender, age and body conformation influenced plasma leptin and thyroid hormone concentrations in the horse. Materials and method Pre-slaughter body weight and height were recorded in a random group of mares (n=5), geldings (castrated males: n=7) and stallions (n=3) destined for human consumption. Their age was estimated by dental examination. Immediately post-mortem, a jugular vein blood sample was collected into a heparinised tube, which was centrifuged at 2500 rpm for 10 minutes. Plasma was stored in liquid nitrogen until analysed for plasma concentrations of leptin and thyroid hormones using human ELISA (DRG Instruments) and RIA kits (ICN Pharmaceuticals Ltd), respectively. Statistical differences between groups were assessed using General Linear Model, Analysis of Variance. Regression analysis was used to determine whether plasma leptin concentration was related to body conformation and age.
Influence of food intake timing on daily variations of leptin and other metabolic variables in nzw rabbits
Authors: Rosi F. , Magistrelli D. , Vitrani F.
Published: June 2019

The 16kDa peptide hormone leptin is an adipose tissue-derived regulator of food intake and energy homeostasis, and a signal of the status of body energy stores to the brain. Plasma levels of leptin reflect body fat mass in humans, rodents and ruminants (Houseknecht et al., 1998; Delavaud et al., 2000). The aim of this study was to investigate circadian rhythms of plasma leptin and other metabolic variables in rabbits, to assess the influence of the timing of food intake and to investigate the relationship between leptin and lipid metabolites.
Calcium metabolism in Saanen goats- a kinetic model
Authors: Vitti D.M.S.S. , Kebreab E. , Lopes J.B. , Dorigan C. J. , De Resende K.T. , Abdalla A.L. , Crompton L.A. , France J.
Published: June 2019

Research in Brazil has been carried out to study mineral metabolism in sheep and cattle, especially phosphorus, by using the isotope dilution technique (Vitti et al., 2000). However there is very little information on calcium metabolism in goats. The proposal of the present study is to measure the intensity of the different processes that occur in goats fed different amounts of calcium, by using radioactive calcium, and to propose a model of Ca metabolism.
Application of a dynamic nitrogen model to reduce nutrient pollution by dairy cows
Authors: Kebreab E. , Mills J.A.N. , Crompton L.A. , France J.
Published: June 2019

Agriculture is one of the major sources of nitrogen (N) pollution. Dairy production causes losses of N in faeces and urine that contribute to environmental pollution with an estimated annual output of 320 kt N and 80 kt ammonia in the U.K. alone. Therefore, improving N utilization in dairy cows and especially reducing N output in excreta is desirable to reduce environmental N pollution, particularly as ammonia. Mathematical models have been used to predict potential N excretion from dairy cows. However, these models generally are empirical in nature, hence not process based and therefore there is a need to develop a model that can describe biological processes in the animal. The objective of the present study was to develop a dynamic N model to predict the amount and form of N excreted by dairy herds and seek to make appropriate recommendations that will reduce N excretion from dairy cows.
Incremental effects of ground rapeseed on digestion in lactating dairy cows
Authors: Reynolds C.K. , Humphries D. J. , Sutton J. D. , Lupoli B. , Beever D.E.
Published: June 2019

Crushed rapeseed and other oil seeds offer an economical source of fat and protein in diets for lactating dairy cows, but the potential inhibitory effects of their unsaturated fatty acids on fibre digestion in the rumen are a concern. Feeding crushed rapeseed in a grass silage-based ration increased milk yield without affecting intake (Reynoldset al., 1998), and had no measurable effects on rumen or total tract digestion (Reynoldset al., 2000). In a companion study, feeding increasing amounts of ground rapeseed in a maize silage-based ration decreased DM intake at higher levels of inclusion (Reynoldset al., 2002). This effect may reflect metabolic effects of rapeseed fatty acid absorption, or negative effects of rapeseed oil on rumen fermentation and fibre digestion. The present study was conducted simultaneously to the production study to determine the incremental effects of ground rapeseed on rumen, post-rumen and total tract digestion in lactating dairy cows fed maize silage-based rations.
Response of grazing dairy cows to level of concentrate supplementation and concentrate protein content
Authors: Ferris C.P. , Patterson D.C. , Gordon F.J. , Kilpatrick D.J.
Published: June 2019

The response of grazing dairy cows to level of concentrate supplementation and to the concentration of protein in the supplement remains poorly defined. The response is of particular importance in view of the high costs associated with the concentrate feedstuffs, especially protein ingredients. The current study was designed to examine the response of grazing dairy cows to level of concentrate supplementation and to level of protein in the concentrate.
The reduction of nutrient digestibility and energy concentration from maintenance feeding (sheep) to production feeding (lactating dairy cows) in grass silage-based diets
Authors: Yan T. , Ferris C. P. , Agnew R. E. , Gordon F. J.
Published: June 2019

AFRC (1993) recommends a reduction of proportionately 0.018 in dietary metabolisble energy (ME) concentration with each unit increase in feeding level above maintenance in dairy cows (feeding level is calculated as total ME intake divided by ME requirement for maintenance). A similar value (0.016) was reported recently by Yan et al. (2001) using a number of linear and multiple regression techniques with lactating dairy cows offered grass silage-based diets. The objectives of the present study were to validate these two values and also to evaluate the effects of feeding level on nutrient digestibility and ME concentration in the mixed diets.
The potential of a range of maize silages, included as a component of grass silage based diets, to increase the dry matter and energy intakes of finishing beef cattle
Authors: Kirkland R.M. , Steen R.W.J. , Gordon F.J. , Keady T.W.J.
Published: June 2019

The inclusion of maize silage in grass silage based diets may offer the potential to improve productivity on farms due to associative effects resulting from mixed-forage diets on nutrient supply to the animal. The objective of the present study was to examine the effects on dry matter (DM) and metabolisable energy (ME) intakes of beef cattle of offering forage mixtures comprising grass and maize silages of differing qualities.
The effect of replacement of concentrate by fodder beet on rumen fermentation and VFA production in steer cattle
Authors: McIlmoyle D.G. , Patterson D.C. , Gordon F.J.
Published: June 2019

In a previous experiment in this series fodder beet was substituted for a major proportion of the concentrate supplement in a high concentrate diet with lactating dairy cows. The diets were offered at a restricted level of feeding and a major depression in the concentration of fat in milk was obtained with the concentrate diet (McIlmoyle et al., 2001). It was the objective of the present experiment to examine the effects of diet composition, namely fodder beet versus concentrate in a silage based diet and level of feeding, namely restricted versus ad libitum feeding on rumen fermentation.
The effect of live yeast (Yeasacc) and yeast culture (Diamond V XP) on the performance of intensively fed Swaledale store lambs
Authors: Minter C M , Middlemass C A , Higham S P , Marsden M
Published: June 2019

Concentrate finishing systems for store lambs often involves a dramatic change in the basal diet as lambs are moved from being managed on, e.g. grass and / or roots to concentrates. If this is done too quickly there is a risk of digestive disturbances leading to acidosis and secondary infections. However, the desire of the lamb finisher is to transfer the lambs onto the concentrate diets as quickly as possible and reduce rumen friendly materials such as straw to maximise performance. Yeast products have been shown repeatedly to reduce the production of lactic acid and stimulate the utilisation of lactic acid by certain rumen microflora, e.g. M. elsdenii leading to a more optimal rumen environment for the rumen microflora that in turn enhances nutrient supply and animal performance.

The aim of this trial was to determine whether there would be any response to the inclusion of two yeast products, a live yeast, Yeasacc 1026 and a yeast culture, Diamond V XP, in intensively finished Swaledale wether store lambs.
n -alkane concentration in semi-natural plant species found in upland areas of the UK
Authors: Hyslop J. J. , Hetherington S. L. , Adamson H. F. , Griffiths J. B.
Published: June 2019

The n -alkane technique (Dove and Mayes, 1991; Mayes and Dove, 2000) has been developed as a method to determine the voluntary intake of herbivores grazing freely at pasture. The technique relies on the fact that each herbage species contain a unique profile of odd-chain n -alkane compounds within the cuticular waxes of each plant part. Whilst some n -alkane profiles for the major intensively managed herbage species are available, there is little comprehensive information on the n -alkane profiles of many of the herbage species found commonly in semi-natural vegetation communities (SNVC) in the hills and uplands of the UK. If the n -alkane technique is to be extended for use with herbivores grazing SNVC’s, it is necessary that such profiles be determined. This study details the n -alkane concentrations found in ten herbage species sampled from SNVC’s in the UK during late summer in 2000.
Pattern of follicular growth and ovulation frequency in post-partum beef cows after a temporal calf removal associated with a gonadotrophin release hormone
Authors: Quintans G. , Viñoles C.
Published: June 2019

The main cause of prolonged post-partum anoestrous in suckled cows is the failure of dominant follicles to ovulate. Increased LH pulse frequency is necessary to promote dominant follicles (DF) to ovulate. A 96 h period of calf removal lead to a 2-fold increase in the LH pulse frequency in the study of Stagg et al. (1998). Moreover, acute calf isolation and once-a-day suckling shortly after the emergence of the fourth follicular wave induced two thirds of cows to ovulate the ΔF of that wave (Sinclair et al., 1999). The present study was carried out to investigate the effect of 96 h calf removal and GnRH administration on the duration of the post-partum anoestrous period in suckled beef cows.
Measurement of milk progesterone using near infrared spectroscopy
Authors: Scholey DV , Mann GE , Garnsworthy PC
Published: June 2019

It is now well established that milk progesterone analysis can provide a valuable tool in reproductive management of the dairy cow. With the advent of relatively cheap cow side milk progesterone tests, the principle block to widespread monitoring is the time and effort involved in the actual collection and analysis of the milk samples. This has led to a research drive to develop on line milk progesterone monitoring systems whereby progesterone is routinely monitored at normal milking. Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) is widely used in the agricultural industry for analysing cereals and forages and is used for on-line testing in the food and pharmaceutical industries. Vibrations of chemical bonds between carbon, oxygen, hydrogen and nitrogen atoms affect the amount of near-infrared light absorbed at individual wavelengths, so different molecules show unique patterns in the spectrum. These patterns are related to determined concentrations of chemicals in calibration samples to develop equations that predict concentrations in unknown samples. This project set out to assess the use of this technique to measure milk progesterone.
Influence of plasma urea nitrogen on superovulatory response and embryo recovery in Merino ewes
Authors: Omidi M.
Published: June 2019

The plasma urea nitrogen (PUN) can be an indication of the quantity and degradability of the protein consumed. The high serum concentration of PUN may reduce fertility by local toxic effect on either the sperm, the ovum or the developing embryo (Jordan and Swanson, 1979). The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of high concentration of PUN following the increase of crude protein (CP) intake on ovarian response and fertilisation rate of superovulated ewes.
A comparison of solvents for extraction of polyphenolic compounds in tree leaves
Authors: Capetillo Leal CM , Reyes Ramírez R. , Sandoval-Castro CA , Camacho Morfin D.
Published: June 2019

The occurrence of polyphenolics compounds in forage is of nutritional significance due to its protein binding capacity which can affect protein digestion (Woodward and Reed, 1989). They also have a role in controlling rates of decomposition and N mineralization of plant residues (Swift et al., 1979). The Prussian-blue assay (Price and Butler, 1977) is widely use for quantitative measurement of polyphenol content of plant materials due to the easiness it can be performed. Polyphenols are polar compound and literature report extractions with, methanol, ethanol or acetone as usual solvents. Although it is known that no single protocol is optimum for all samples. No comparison was found between solvents on a wide range of material to assess if results might be correlated. The objective of the present work was to compare the efficiency of four solvents for polyphenol extraction.
Rumen degradability for the assessment of tannin-rich forage from Brazil
Authors: Nozella E.F. , Cabral Filho S.L.S. , Bueno I.C.S. , Castilho L.A. , Abdalla A.L. , Vitti D.M.S.S.
Published: June 2019

Tannin can bind with feed nutrients and they became unavailable to ruminants. The aim of this work was to compare rumen degradability parameters with phenolic compounds of Brazilian ruminant feeds.
Degradability chracteristics of dry matter and crude protein of Iranian forages in ruminant
Authors: Taghizadeh A. , shoja J. , Moghaddam G. , Jhonmohammadi H. , Yasan P.
Published: June 2019

Values for crude protein (CP) and ruminally undegradable CP content are now required in feed evaluation systems currently used in North America (NRC,1989) and other organizations (Ørskov,1992).The objectives of the present study were to assess in situ ruminal degradability, fractional rates of digestion and the effective degradability of the dry matter (DM) and crude protein (CP) of alfalfa and red clover hays, selected randomly from dairy farms of Tabriz region in Iran on the male sheep rumen.
Apparent digestibility, rumen fermentation characteristics and microbial N entering duodenum in Iranian Baloochi Lambs fed diets formulated to contain similar amounts of ERDP with different protein sources
Authors: Danesh Mesgaran M
Published: June 2019

Published results in the literature indicate that the inclusion of increased level of degradable protein in the ruminant diet resulted in a stimulation of ruminal pH, ruminal N-NH3 and microbial N entering duodenum (Mesgeran & Parker, 1998). The objective of this experiment was to investigate the effect of altering the dietary sources of protein with similar amounts of ERDP on the apparent digestibility, ruminal fermentation characteristics and microbial protein entering duodenum in Iranian Baloochi lambs.
Carcass traits of Friesian, Piemontese x Friesian and Romagnola x Friesian steers finished on two feeding levels for two periods
Authors: Keane M.G.
Published: June 2019

Crossing of Friesian-Holstein dairy cows with beef breed bulls is widely practised. Recently the Italian Piemontese and Romagnola beef breeds have been imported into Ireland, but they have not been evaluated. The objective of this study was to compare the progeny of these breeds and Friesians for carcass traits. General productivity traits have been reported elsewhere (Keane, 2001).
A Rusitec based model of acute rumen acidosis: effects of nitrogen source on pH and feed degradation before and after glucose infusion
Authors: Haubi C.U. , Mould F.L. , Reynolds C.K.
Published: June 2019

Acute (clinical) and subclinical rumen acidosis is a problem in many production systems where readily fermentable concentrates are fed. In previous experiments (Haubiet al., 2001) a model for subclinical acidosis using the Rusitec was presented. The objective of the present study was to establish a model for clinical acidosis, where excessive carbohydrate fermentation drops rumen pH below 5.0. The effects of N source on pH and feed dry matter degradation (DMD) before and after an acute case of acidosis were determined by comparing level of diet N and source (non-protein nitrogen [NPN] versus soya protein).
The affect of rumen fluid collection time on its fermentative capacity and the stability of rumen conditions in sheep fed a constant diet
Authors: Payne J.S. , Hamersley A.R. , Milligan J.C. , Huntington J.A.
Published: June 2019

One of the sources of variation in the in vitro gas production (GP) technique (Theodorou et al., 1994) is the inoculum source that is used. The time of rumen fluid collection in relation to the feeding time of the donor animals could greatly affect the microbial activity and hence fermentative capacity of the inoculum. This study was carried out to quantify both within day and between day variation in rumen fermentative capacity.
Variation in the in vitro hydrolytic activity of rumen and faecal inocula
Authors: Afdal M. , Mould F.L. , Rymer C. , Owen E. , Givens D.I.
Published: June 2019

Considerable efforts have been made regarding the use of faecal material to provide a microbial inoculum for in vitro feed evaluation systems. However total gas production, rate of gas release and the extent of degradation of feeds incubated using faecal inoculum are lower than those incubated in a rumen fluid medium. It has been suggested that this is due to lower microbial activity, a consequence of the different microflora and reduced microbial numbers (e.g. Mauricio, 1999). Microbial populations are dynamic so, as their enzyme activity profiles change rapidly, little information is obtained from examining these. However, their hydrolytic activity as reflected by their ability to degrade specific substrates can be simply measured and provides a potential method with which to assess the quality of inocula with respect to their use in in vitro systems. The data presented here are from a larger study in which the differences between the hydrolytic activity of faecal material and rumen contents as influenced by the time of sampling were assessed in vitro.
The rumen degradability of crimped wheat in comparison with conventionally treated grain assessed in vitro
Authors: Mould F.L. , Cave K.
Published: June 2019

Despite little published research data (Ekström et al., 1966) the use of crimped cereal grain in the rations of high producing dairy cows has gained considerable acceptance. This is partly due to an earlier harvesting date permitting replanting up to three weeks earlier and to reduced storage costs. However, the main attraction is that high levels of crimped grain are readily consumed without apparently adversely affecting rumen fermentation. Although this appears to be in direct contradiction with the belief that crimped grain is fermented faster due the ensiling process, this information was probably obtained using the in sacco technique which tends to over-estimate processed cereal degradation due of fine particulate losses (e.g. starch granules). This study was therefore undertaken to characterise the degradation profile of crimped wheat grain relative to that of conventionally harvested material.
Impact of feed supplements on in vitro degradability of barley straw and grass nuts
Authors: Chaudhry A.S. , Rowlinson P. , Lister C.J.
Published: June 2019

Grass is the main energy feed for cattle but it declines in digestibility and intake during the summer months and loses about 20% nutrients during ensiling and feeding in winter. Grass is also low in minerals and this has implications for cattle health and performance. It is thus essential to use supplements to boost digestibility and intake of grass and subsequently the performance of cattle. This study compared the effect of two supplements which are marketed as molasses based feed blocks (Booster with 12% crude protein or CP and HIPRO with 28%: CRYSTALYX) on the in vitro dry matter (DM) degradation of barley straw (Straw) and grass nuts (Grass). These blocks contained same energy (13MJ ME/kg DM) but different amounts of sugars (33-35%), oil (6-8%) and minerals (20 to 28%) and thus were considered appropriate for use as feed supplements to compensate for the deficits of nutrients that the cattle can face when consuming grass or straw. These forages represent a range of forage quality that can be found in the UK.
An in vitro model to assess the impact of lipid on the rate and extent of fibre degradation
Authors: Mould F.L. , Shingfield K.J. , Reynolds C.K. , Grandison A.S.
Published: June 2019

Although high genetic merit dairy cows are capable of peak yields in excess of 50 kg per day these are seldom maintained primarily due to an inability to satisfy energy requirements. Fats and oils are often incorporated into rations as a means of increasing dietary energy content. However, unless included at relatively low levels or in a protected form, lipid supplements may adversely affect fibre degradation in the rumen. The current data are derived from a study conducted to evaluate the potential of an in vitro model to assess the effects of oil supplements on forage organic matter degradation (iOMD).
Relationship between meat quality and blood acid-base measurements in pigs
Authors: Hamilton D. N. , Bertol T. M. , Ellis M. , Carr S. N. , McKeith F. K.
Published: June 2019

Pale soft exudative pork (PSE) is a major problem affecting swine industries worldwide that results in significant economic loss because it reduces processing and saleable product yields. The PSE condition results from a rapid rate of muscle glycolysis early postmortem and a rapid drop in muscle pH while the temperature of the carcass is still high. Stress prior to slaughter can increase the rate of glycolysis and postmortem acidification. Blood acid-base has been used as an indicator of stress in pigs. The objective of this experiment was to investigate the relationship between blood acid-base status at slaughter and fresh meat quality in pigs.
Δ9 -desaturase activity in the mammary gland of lactating dairy cows
Authors: Lock A.L. , Garnsworthy P.C.
Published: June 2019

The Δ9 -desaturase system (steroyl-CoA desaturase) involves the addition of a cis double bond between carbons 9 and 10 of fatty acids. The conversion of stearic acid (C18:0) to oleic acid (cis-9 C18:1) is the predominant precursor:product of this enzyme system; conversion of saturated fatty acids (SFA) to mono-unsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) is important in determining the fluidity of milk. In previous studies (Lock & Garnsworthy 2001), we have shown that more than 50% of the oleic acid occurring in milk is produced in the mammary gland via Δ9 -desaturase. We also found that the conversion of trans-11 C18:1 to cis-9, trans-11 conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) accounted for ~80% of milk fat CLA. Increasing the activity of Δ9 -desaturase offers the opportunity of increasing the MUFA content of milk, especially oleic acid, while decreasing its SFA content, as well as increasing the CLA content of milk. Lock & Garnsworthy, (2001) also reported that there were significant differences between individual cows with regard to milk fat CLA content. In an earlier study (Lock & Garnsworthy, 2000) we found that the CLA content of milk varied throughout the year, with highest values occurring when cows received fresh pasture. In view of the significant contribution of Δ9 -desaturase to the CLA and MUFA content of milk, the objective of the work reported here was to investigate individual animal and dietary variation in Δ9 -desaturase activity in the mammary gland of lactating dairy cows.
Relationships between skatole and androstenone in Large White and Meishan pigs
Authors: Whittington F.W. , Doran E. , McGivan J.D. , Wood J.D.
Published: June 2019

Boar taint is an offensive odour and flavour in the meat from some (perhaps 0.05) entire male pigs. It occurs when high concentrations of skatole and androstenone are reached in fat tissue. Boar taint is more common in some breeds than others and as part of an investigation into its genetic basis (Doranet al., 2001), we have studied skatole, androstenone and testosterone relationships in Large White and Meishan cross bred pigs.