bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison of Urea and Human Urine for Treating Wheat Straw at a Tropical Temperature Effects on Digestibility in Vitro and in Situ
Authors: Mackintosh E , Owen E
Published: November 2021

In temperate countries, treatment of straw to improve digestibility is a a well established technique (Sundstol and Coxworth, 1984). In developing countries of the tropics, treatment of straw with ammonia generated from hydrolysis of urea (via urease action) has been the method generally promoted (Schiere and Ibrahim, 1989). Treatment of straw with urea has die advantage of being simple to apply on smallholder farms. However, there is evidence (e.g. in Tanzania) that the technology is not being widely adopted because of the increasing cost of urea due to the growing demand for its use as a fertilizer.
Expression of igf-i and gh-receptor (ghr) mrna in liver and skeletal muscle of different pig breeds
Authors: Brameld J.M. , Atkinson J.L. , Budd T.J. , Saunders J.C. , Salter A.M. , Gilmour R.S. , Buttery P.J.
Published: November 2021

Previous studies of the porcine GH-IGF axis have demonstrated age related changes in liver, but not LD muscle, in expression of both GH-receptor (GHR) and IGF-I genes (Brameld et al, 1993; 1995), and also effects of energy availability on the expression of IGF-I in liver, but not in LD muscle (Weller et al, 1994). The work described here was carried out to study the expression of IGF-I and GHR mRNA in liver and skeletal muscle from different breeds of pig. The probes used were as described previously (Brameld et al, 1993; 1995; Weller et al, 1993; 1994), and were designed to monitor promoter usage for IGF-I expression, with the two promoters giving rise to class 1 and 2 transcripts, and also expression of the extra-cellular domain of the GH-receptor.
Within litter effect of halothane genotype on performance and conformation
Authors: Grundy B. , Webb A.J. , Kitchin P.
Published: November 2021

A DNA test is now available for use in pigs to identify halothane genotype (Fujii et al, 1991; Otsu et al 1991). It has been established that the positive phenotype (nn) at the halothane locus shows advantages in lean yield accompanied by disadvantages in meat quality and stress susceptibility (Webb et al, 1987). The aim of this study was to accurately estimate the relative performance of the halothane heterozygote (Nn) within litters for both production and conformation traits in two breeds of pig.

Halothane genotype was determined for 1131 entire boars and gilts from 389 litters, 145 sires and two lines (Table 1). Line A was derived from a single breed, and selected on rate of lean growth for over 10 generations as a closed population. Line B was a closed synthetic population containing Pietrain and Hampshire.
A scoring method to assess damage caused by aggression between sows after mixing
Authors: Burfoot A. , Kay R.M. , Corning S.
Published: November 2021

The regulations to phase out stall and tether systems by 1 January 1999 will result in UK sows being group housed. The formation of either small stable groups or large, dynamic groups by mixing unfamiliar sows results in aggression between sows. One consequence of aggression is damage to the skin which, if severe may compromise the welfare of the sow. To assess the level of damage resulting from aggression between sows, a simple, rapid scoring method is needed. The objective of this work was to establish which areas of the sow were the main target sites for attack and to use this information to devise an animal based method of scoring damage.
The effect of agonistic social interactions on the heart rate of group-housed sows
Authors: Marchant J.N. , Broom D.M. , Rudd A.R. , Mendl M.T.
Published: November 2021

A major problem reported by many commercial producers keeping sows in group housing systems, is that of inter-sow aggression and bullying, due to the establishment and maintenance of a social hierarchy. Even in stalls and tethers, inter-neighbour aggression can be high but the physical consequences for the sow receiving the aggression are negligible, due to the lack of opportunity for physical contact. In a group situation, an inability to prevent attack by another sow can itself lead to poor welfare, in addition to any effects of injury or pain caused by the attack. A sow's ability to control its social environment can not only affect its access to resources (Edwards et al., 1993), but also its physiological state and productivity (Mendl et al., 1992).

The aim of this experiment was to determine the effects that different intensities and degrees of success of agonistic social interaction have on the heart rate of sows, which can be a useful measure of the emotional response of an individual to short-term problems such as social challenge.
The influence of hoof trimming on claw measurements in dairy cattle
Authors: Boelling D. , Pollott G.E.
Published: November 2021

The main objective of hoof trimming is to restore the foot to its correct form and accurate weight bearing surfaces (Blowey, 1993). Furthermore, trimming is applied as a means to cure diseases and lameness of the foot. Hoof care for shaping up the foot is usually carried out either by time - for example every cow once a year - or by necessity - all those animals with very long and overgrown claws. This observational study was aimed to investigate how long the influence of trimming lasts when applied for the purpose of restoring the hoof to its correct shape.
Choice feeding to characterise genotypes in pigs
Authors: Wilson J.M.F. , Southwood O.I. , van der Steen H.A.M.
Published: November 2021

The choice feeding of pigs has been shown in many experiments to allow the individual pig to express its own needs and thereby grow more efficiently and show its full potential.

The objective of this experiment was to test whether pigs representing 7 distinct genotypes, including Large White, Landrace, Pietrain, Duroc and Meishan, were able to select their dietary crude protein (CP) in relation to energy requirements under a choice feeding regime, and whether these differences were related to growth and performance.
The effect of pregnancy on lactation persistency and milk composition in dairy cows
Authors: Coulon J.B. , Rémond B. , Pérochon L.
Published: November 2021

In dairy cows, effect of pregnancy on milk production is acknowledged but little documented, and with conflicting data. Weak during the Â« normal Â» lactation, this effect becomes important in late pregnancy. To precisely model milk secretion, and to adjust novel management of the lactation cycle, it is important to specify this effect.
Replacement of concentrates with molasses in grass silage based diets for dairy cows
Authors: McKendrick E J , Marsh S P
Published: November 2021

Provision of a balanced supply of fermentable metabolisable energy (FME) and effective rumen degradable protein to rumen microbes enables maximum utilisation of energy and protein in dairy cow diets. Cane molasses containing a high proportion of water soluble carbohydrates can be very effective source of FME in dairy cow diets. The objective of this experiment was to evaluate the effect of the inclusion of molasses and fishmeal in the concentrate component of the diet, on the performance of lactating dairy cows.
The effect of moiassed sugar beet pulp and distillery by-products on feed intake and milk production of dairy cows fed complete diets
Authors: Phipps R. H. , Jones A. K. , Perrot G. E. , Waters J.
Published: November 2021

In recent years the use of complete diets has increased markedly in the UK. Although figures are difficult to obtain, it is estimated that approximately 20% of the National Herd is now fed complete diets. This represents 400,000 cows and the number is steadily increasing . Complete diets are often associated with rations where the forage component contains a significant proportion of maize silage, and where sodium hydroxide treated wheat (Soda Grain) is often included. Although it is widely believed, within the farming community, that the inclusion of Soda Grain (SG) results in a marked increase in milk protein content, there is limited scientific evidence to support this view . At the same time there has been a concomitant decrease in the inclusion of molassed sugar beet feed (MSBF) as this by-product is associated with increased milk fat content. Recent feeding studies at the Centre for Dairy Research have also established that the use of distillery by-products will reduce milk fat content. The aim of the current study was to determine the effect on forage intake, milk yield and composition of lactating dairy cows fed a complete diet based on grass and maize silage, when SG was replaced by either MSBF and cracked wheat (CW), or MSBF and distillery by-products, which were used to replace a conventional protein supplement of soya bean and rape seed meal.
The diet selection of weaned piglets in different group sizes
Authors: Dalby J.A. , Varley M.A. , Forbes J.M. , Jagger S.
Published: November 2021

The diet selection of weaned piglets may vary according to the social environment in which they are housed. Many choice feeding experiments have been performed with pigs housed individually, in order to monitor their food intake and preferences effectively (e.g. Kyriazakis and Emmans, 1990; Kyriazakis, Emmans and Whittemore, 1991). However commercial animals are usually housed in groups and their feeding behaviour may differ from that of individual animals as a result of social interactions (Haer and Merks, 1992). This could have associated effects on the diet selection of pigs. The intention of this experiment was to observe the behaviour and production information of pigs offered a choice of foods, that differed only in their crude protein (CP) levels, and compare this with pigs offered a single food. Pigs were housed individually, in groups of two or eight.
Ruminants and feed enzymes
Authors: Treacher R.J.
Published: November 2021

Enzymes have been successfully used to improve the nutritional value of cereal based feeds for pigs and poultry since the early eighties. Their benefits derive from improved digestion of nutrients following the destruction of anti-nutritional compounds such as β-glucans and arabinoxylans and the augmentation of the animal's existing enzyme arsenal where this may be sub-optimal. In the ruminant sphere fibrolytic enzymes have been used as aids to silage preservation for almost as long. Their action here is to enhance natural sugar levels by the breakdown of structural carbohydrates - an action which can concurrently render the fibre more amenable to digestion by rumen microbes.
Use of seeds as delivery vehicle for enzymes
Authors: Pen Jan
Published: November 2021

Crops are presently exploited for the economic production of materials like carbohydrates, lipids and proteins for e.g. food, feed, or processing industries. The designed modification of plants by genetic engineering has opened up the possibility to broaden this range of products. The number of novel compounds successfully produced in plants using this “molecular farming” approach is steadily increasing, and includes carbohydrates, fatty acids, biodegradable plastics, high-value pharmaceutical (poly)peptides and industrial enzymes.

The technical feasibility of producing active industrial enzymes in plants at a relatively high level has been demonstrated. The use of seeds as the formulation and delivery vehicle for the enzymes greatly enhances the economic competitiveness of plants as a source of industrial enzymes. This novel concept exploits the fact that many plants and plant organs are or can be a component in industrial processes, animal feed and human food.
Responses in gilt post-farrowing traits and pre-weaning piglet growth to divergent selection for components of efficient lean growth rate
Authors: Kerr J. C. , Cameron N. D.
Published: November 2021

Responses in sow traits at farrowing and during lactation and in pre-weaning piglet growth rate were determined in a population of Large White pigs, after seven generations of divergent selection for components of efficient lean growth rate. Information on the factors influencing preweaning piglet growth rate is required for a comprehensive evaluation of alternative selection strategies.

There were four selection groups: daily food intake (DFI), lean food conversion (LFC), lean growth rate (LGA) on ad-libitum feeding and lean growth rate on scale feeding (LGS). There were 242 gilts in the study, with 20 gilts in the high, low and control lines of each selection group. Pigs in the ad-libitum selection groups were performance tested over a fixed weight range of 30 to 85 kg. Pigs fed on scale feeding were performance tested for a fixed time period of 84 days from 30 kg with food intake equal to 0.75 g/g of daily ad-libitum food intake. Matings were unsupervised and took place in outside paddocks.
Evaluation of genetic markers for litter size in Meishan synthetic and Large White pigs
Authors: Southwood O.I. , Hoste S. , Short T.H. , Mileham A.J. , Cuthbert-Heavens D.
Published: November 2021

A significant relationship between the oestrogen receptor gene (ESR) and litter size has been detected in USA populations of Large White and a synthetic comprising 50% Meishan (Rothschild et al., 1995). Animals carrying two copies of the favourable allele (B) had an extra pig born per litter than those that did not have the allele. This paper reports on results observed in a UK 50% Meishan synthetic and four UK Large White lines.

Litter size data from 50% Meishan synthetic (L93) full-sib females where more than one ESR genotype was segregating. Data were analysed using a mixed model with full relationships and including the fixed effects of season of farrowing, parity, ESR genotype (AA, AB or BB) and service type (AI or natural service). Heritiability and permanent environmental effects for litter size were assumed as 0.09 and 0.11, repectively. A total of 27 full-sib families were represented and included 62 sows and 139 litter records. Hypothesis testing used the option in PEST under a mixed model (Groeneveld et al., 1991).
The effects of altering dietary fatty acid and vitamin E content on the chemical, physical and organoleptic quality of pig meat and fat
Authors: Leskanich C.O. , Matthews K.R. , Warkup C.C. , Noble R.C.
Published: November 2021

The tissues of animals for food use have come to be associated with a predominance of saturated and monounsaturated fatty acids, the result of which has been to contribute to the perceived human dietary imbalance of fatty acids. The fact that porcine tissues assume a fatty acid composition similar to that of the respective diet has enabled the composition to be altered with respect to human dietary needs (Morgan et al, 1992). The fatty acid compositions of rapeseed and fish oils are characterised by a number of factors of relevance to human health recommendations (BNF, 1992). Thus, rapeseed oil contains a low content of saturates, a moderate content of linoleic acid and a high content of Î±-linolenic acid whilst fish oil contains high levels of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Although benefiting the nutritional value of meat/fat, the feeding of increased levels of highly polyunsaturated fatty acids has the potential, in theory at least, of adversely affecting organoleptic and various physical properties. Such adverse effects could be manifested during and/or after the preparation and cooking of the meat or meat products at which times the oxidative degradation of fatty acids is maximised. The inclusion of dietary vitamin E has a range of beneficial effects on meat quality principally due to its antioxidant effects. The present experiment was an attempt to optimise the fatty acid composition of pork and pork products for human health purposes whilst not adversely affecting factors controlling consumer acceptability.
Administration of naloxone prior to parturition delays the birth process in the pig
Authors: Gilbert C L , Boulton M I , Goode J A , McGrath T J
Published: November 2021

An acutely stressful stimulus such as relocation from a familiar strawed pen to an unfamiliar farrowing crate during birth has been shown to interrupt the birth process and inhibit oxytocin secretion (Lawrence et al, 1992). Both of these departures from normal parturition could be prevented by administration of the Î¼ opioid antagonist naloxone. A likely site of action for this effect is presynaptic Î¼ receptors on noradrenergic nerve terminals in the hypothalamus (Onaka et al, 1995). Such a neuro-endocrine control system, if active in the day prior to birth, might influence the timing of the onset of parturition and its subsequent efficiency even in the absence of a stressful stimulus. This experiment tested this hypothesis.
Annual variation in the balance between winter fodder production and requirements in beef cow systems
Authors: Wright I.A. , Maxwell T.J. , Russel A.J.F. , Sibbald A.R.
Published: November 2021

Herbage intake by beef cows is highly correlated with sward height and therefore intake can be managed in a predictable manner by controlling sward height. For beef cows this requires adjustment of the grazing area and conservation of herbage which is not grazed, with the silage aftermath subsequently grazed later in the summer. Year-to-year variation in herbage growth rate will result in variation in the amounts of silage produced. Most grazing experiments do not consider this year-to-year variation, but it constitutes one of the major features which has to be accommodated in the operational management of beef cow systems which are based on pastoral resources.

During three consecutive summers, 40 spring-calving Hereford x Friesian beef cows and their Charolais-cross calves grazed perennial ryegrass-dominated swards receiving 200 kg N/ha at one of two annual stocking rates (2.0 or 2.5 cows/ha) at one of two sward heights (4 to 5 (short) or 7 to 8 cm (tall)) in a 2x2 factorial experiment, replicated twice.
Markers, maps and the detection of trait loci
Authors: Haley C.S.
Published: November 2021

Naturally occurring genetic variation is the basis for differences in performance and appearance between and within different breeds and lines of livestock. In a few instances (e.g. coat colour, polling) the genes (or loci) which control the variation between animals and breeds have a large enough effect to be individually recognisable. For many traits, however, the combined effects of many different genes act together to control quantitative differences between breeds and individuals within breeds (hence such genes are often referred to as quantitative trait loci or QTLs). Thus the dramatic successes of modern breeding result from generations of selection which has produced accumulated changes at a number of different loci. The genome contains up to 100,000 different genes and identifying those which contribute to variation in traits of interest is a difficult task. One first step is to identify regions of the genome containing loci of potential interest through their linkage to genetic markers.
Options for housing the sow and litter
Authors: Edwards S A , Fraser D
Published: November 2021

Following on from the previous paper, this paper could be subtitled 'The welfare of the sow, her litter, the stockperson, the farmer and the bank manager'. There are many different considerations involved in assessing a farrowing system and, in some cases, these can lead to conflicting conclusions.

As reviewed in the previous paper, the animals have a set of requirements for optimal welfare. For the sow, these include the ability to exhibit certain hormonally regulated behaviour patterns including pre-farrowing ambulation and nest building. For the piglet, although longer term issues of behavioural development exist, the immediate welfare challenge is to stay alive and healthy in a situation fraught with dangers (Fraser, 1990). This requires environmental measures which reduce the likelihood of crushing, hypothermia, starvation and infection. Increasingly, as sow prolificacy has become a goal of genetic selection, it is also dependant on inputs of skilled stockpeople (English, 1993).
Gaseous emissions of slurry from pigs offered low crude protein diets
Authors: Hobbs P.J. , Pain B.F. , Misselbrook T.H. , Kay R.M. , Lee P.A.
Published: November 2021

Increasingly emissions from livestock production has caused problems for the industry. If the problem can be reduced at source by a change of diet this could be the simplest solution, requiring the minimum of effort.

Reducing nitrogen excretion by pigs offered low crude protein (CP) diets may not only reduce nitrogen polluting potential of slurry, but also change gaseous and odorous emission characteristics.

Slurry was collected from beneath slatted pens at the end of the fmishing period (65 to 90 kg live weight) of groups of pigs offered either a commercially available finisher diet (F-com), slurry A, or a low CP diet (F-lc) formulated using a commercial least cost database which has been shown to reduce the nitrogen concentration of the slurry, slurry B. Slurry samples were placed in a closed odour emission chamber and air samples taken after 0, 15, 40, 65, 95, 155 and 225 minutes. Odour concentration (OC) was determined by dynamic dilution olfactometry.
Diet selection in dairy cows: effect of training on choice of dietary protein level
Authors: Tolkamp B.J. , Burger M. , Kyriazakis I. , Oldham J.D. , Dewhurst R.J. , Newbold J.R.
Published: November 2021

An experiment was carried out to determine the ability of lactating cows to select a diet from two similar feeds differing in the ratio of metabolisable protein to energy (MP/ME) content and to investigate the effect of training through previous access to feeds separately on diet choice.

Holstein-Friesian cows (n=36), 1-5 months in lactation, yielding 37 (s.d.=5) kg of milk were housed in a cubicle shed equipped with 28 computer linked Hokofarm feeders which can be programmed to give or deny specific animals access and record intake, meal size and meal duration. All feeds were mixtures of grass silage and pelleted concentrates. Approximately 75 % of daily offer was given in the morning and topping up occurred during afternoon milking. After adapting to feeders and feed for at least two weeks, intake was recorded in week 1 when all feeders contained a standard mixed feed calculated to contain 8.3 g MP/MJ ME. In weeks 2-7 a low protein (lp) and a high protein (hp) feed were offered in 14 feeders each (in the order 7 lp, 7 hp, 7 lp, 7 hp).
Effects of inoculant treatment on silage fermentation and digestibility and on rumen fermentation, dry matter intake and performance of lactating dairy cattle
Authors: Keady T.W.J. , Murphy J.J.
Published: November 2021

Recent studies have shown that the use of an effective bacterial inoculant as a silage additive results in improvements in animal performance of dairy and beef cattle. Treatment with an inoculant based on a single strain of L. plantarum has increased silage digestibility and altered the composition of rumen fluid in beef cattle (Keady and Steen, 1994 and 1995). Inoculant products vary in composition, containing different bacteria species and numbers, possibly with the addition of enzymes, clostridiaphages and rumen enhancers. The present study was designed to evaluate an inoculant containing mixed strains of bacteria, enzymes, bacteriophages and a rumen enhancer through lactating dairy cattle and to study its effects on diet digestibility and rumen fermentation patterns.

Herbage was harvested from the primary regrowth of a predominantly perennial ryegrass sward, which had received 99 kg nitrogen (N) per ha after the previous harvest, after a fifty-one day regrowth interval. Herbage was mown down using a mower conditioner and picked up immediately, unwilled, using a precision chop harvester.
The effect of treatment with a gonadotrophin releasing hormone on the fertility of beef cows
Authors: Pullar Duncan , Wrathall Anthony
Published: November 2021

Use of the gonadotrophin releasing hormone (GnRH) analogue, buserelin has been shown to be effective reducing embryo mortality, by a luteoprotective mechanism, in reproductively normal dairy cows. Drew and Peters, (1991) increased mean pregnancy rates to AI from 53.4 to 65.4% in dairy herds by a buserelin treatment, given 10-12 post service. The objective of this experiment was to determine whether buserelin can also have a beneficial effect on pregnancy rate, in normal and known problem suckler cows.

Seventy-eight Hereford x Friesian cows (from 0-4 parities) were used. Forty were considered reproductively normal ('normal' cows) having calved each year from their first season and currently with a 10 week old calf at-foot; while 38 had a history of reproductive disorders ('suspect' cows) and had not calved in the previous 15 months (May 1994 to July 1995).
Manipulating the fatty acid composition of pig and poultry products
Authors: Noble R.C.
Published: November 2021

Over the past twenty years nutritional literature at all levels has abounded with arguments about the role of dietary fat in the increased incidence of the many ailments that pervade Western society, in particular of course coronary heart disease. The general opinion is that the incidence of such disorders would be reduced and the health of our society improved by a reduction in the gross amount of fat consumed, a reduction in dietary cholesterol and a change in the dietary regimen of fatty acids in favour of increased levels of a range of polyunsaturates. Although the pattern of fat consumption has always undergone some changes, contemporary moves against the consumption of animal fats have been particularly dramatic based on the firm belief, erroneous or otherwise, that some animal products are very much less beneficial than others. Of the range of products based on the pig and the avian the attitude towards fat consumption has been highly variable.
Effect of undegradable protein given for six weeks before calving on the performance of dairy cows in the subsequent lactation
Authors: Dewhurst R.J. , Davies D.W.R. , Fisher W.J. , Aston K.
Published: November 2021

Previous studies (Moorby et al, 1994) have shown increased yields of protein and lactose in the subsequent lactation as a consequence of feeding additional undegradable dietary protein (UDP) and restricting energy intake during the dry period. This experiment was undertaken to investigate the effect of supplementary UDP in the dry period diet of Holstein-Friesian cows given unrestricted access to grass silage and 1.5 kg of barley per day.

Sixty-one cows received diets based on ad libitum access to grass silage with either (a) 1.5 kg barley / day or (b) 1.0 kg barley and 0.5 kg Maize Gluten Meal / day. After calving, cows had ad libitum access to grass silage (Metabolisable Energy (ME)=11.3 MJ/kg DM; crude protein (CP)=181 g/kg DM) and received 5 kg/day of concentrates (ME=13.0 MJ/kg DM; CP=250g/kg DM).
Effect of proteinated minerals and an ammonia binder on measures of production in dairy cows
Authors: O'Donnell G. , O'Callaghan D. , Boland M.P.
Published: November 2021

Trace mineral supplementation of feed rations is commonly achieved by the addition of simple inorganic salts. The bioavailability and hence the performance enhancement achieved by trace mineral supplementation is significantly improved if the metal is added in the form of a peptide complex or chelate. Extracts from the Yucca shidigera plant bind ammonia in-vivo and thus may alter rumen fermentation and in turn milk synthesis. The aim was to determine the effects of a supplement (All-Plex, Alltech Ireland) included at 10g/day, on milk yield, milk composition, somatic cell counts (SCC), reproduction parameters and blood copper, zinc selenium and haemoglobin. The supplement contained proteinated minerals (100mg copper, 300mg zinc, 300mg manganese, 2mg selenium) and a yucca extract (1g Dc-Odorase, Alltech Ireland).
Composition, intakes and apparent digestibility of 3 grass silages offered to horses
Authors: Istasse L. , Van Eenaeme C. , Hornick J.L. , Van Calster P. , Huet D.
Published: November 2021

Hay is an usual component of horse diet. Nevertheless, it is suspected to provide some spores causing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Grass silage has been suggested as forage in the diet to overcome the problem. It was therefore of interest to assess the nutritive value of grass silage in horses.

Three silages with different dry matter (DM) content were compared. Since horses dislike grass silage with a low DM content, wilted silages only were compared. The first two were first cut grass silages with a low DM content at 427.3 g/kg (LGS) or a medium DM content (661.7 g/kg - MGS). They were compared with a second cut silage from grass grown under very dry conditions (HGS - 787.5 g/kg). The grass was ensiled in square big bales. The 3 silages were offered alone and ad libitum to 4 sport horses in 3 consecutive periods,each silage being offered during one period.
An evaluation of genetic variation in gestation length, birthweight and early growth in Scottish Blackface sheep
Authors: Johnston P , Roden J A , Murray A , Merrell B , Haresign W
Published: November 2021

Birth weight (BW) and gestation length (GL) have important implications for the survival and early vigour of the lamb, in turn affecting the early growth. In hill sheep BW and early growth have low heritabilities, when considered as a trait of the lamb. They are highly influenced by maternal genetic effects and non genetic effects such as litter size, date of birth and the environment. When studying hill sheep there are also problems obtaining accurate records of birth weights and early growth and it is normally impossible to obtain accurate measures of GL. Exploitation of the genetic variation in the traits BW, GL and early growth could be useful in breeding programmes to reduce early mortality and improve vigour in lambs.
The inheritance of faecal egg count following natural Ostertagia circumcinctainfection in Scottish Blackface lambs
Authors: Bishop S.C. , Bairden K. , McKellar Q.A. , Park M. , Stear M.J.
Published: November 2021

The use of genetic selection as a means of reducing the welfare and production losses caused by gastrointestinal parasites has hitherto been ignored by the UK sheep industry. The aim of this study is to assess the potential for selection for reduced faecal egg count, as an indicator of parasitism, and to establish relationships with live weight.

Faecal egg counts and live weights were measured on approximately 200 predominantly twin born Scottish Blackface lambs each year for three years following natural, predominantly Ostertagia circumcincta , infection on pasture. Measurements were made from one to six months of age, at four week intervals, following anthelmintic treatment. Heritabilities, maternal common environment effects, genetic and phenotypic correlations were calculated using Residual Maximum Likelihood techniques.
The effect of supplementing grass silage with molasses and/or a mineralised fishmeal on performance and carcass characteristics of finishing beef cattle
Authors: Chapple D. G. , Grundy H. F. , Wheeler K. P. A. , Marsh S. P.
Published: November 2021

In forage-based intensive beef production systems supplementary feedingstuffs are generally required to optimise live-weight gain and to ensure adequate finish. Information on the feeding of molasses alone or molasses in conjunction with supplementary protein, in grass silage-based beef cattle diets is limited.

To evaluate the effect of replacing barley with molasses and/or mineralised fishmeal when fed with ad libitum grass silage to finishing beef cattle.

Daily supplements of 2.0 kg of rolled barley + 50 g minerals (B), 0.5 kg mineralised fishmeal (F), 2.0 kg cane molasses + 0.5 kg mineralised fishmeal (MF) or 2.5 kg cane molasses + 50 g minerals (M).
The utilisation of a commercial polyethylene glycol preparation to ameliorate the influence of tannins on rumen environment
Authors: Salawu M.B. , Acamovic T. , Stewart C.S. , Hovell F.D. DeB.
Published: November 2021

Quebracho (Loxopterygium loetzil) tannins (QT) are condensed tannins that reduce the digestibilities of nutrients in ruminants (Robbins, et al, 1991), probably by forming complexes with the dietary protein and carbohydrates and reducing microbial activities (Makkar, et al, 1988). Browse Plus (BP), a commercial preparation of polyethylene glycol (PEG) has recently been used to improve the nutritive value of tannin-containing browses. Trials on commercial farms in Zimbabwe have demonstrated that BP improved the nutritional performance of cattle fed high tannin diets (Anon., 1995). Some in vitro work tend to support these findings (Acamovic, et al, 1995). An experiment to study the effectiveness of BP in ameliorating the effects of QT on the rumen environment was conducted.
Effect of 1 or 2 norgestomet implants inserted from days 15 to 25 after oestrus on follicular development in beef cows
Authors: Adikpe D.A. , Bryant M.J.
Published: November 2021

Controlling the timing of ovulation in cows that fail to conceive after insemination would provide a further opportunity for scheduled rebreeding in a group of cows to save time and optimise results. The ear implant Crestar containing the synthetic progestagen norgestomet provides a means of achieving this control (Sinclair et al., 1992; Lowman et al., 1994). Removing the implant on day 25 after oestrus results in less false positive pregnancy diagnoses than removal on day 21 with the implant in place for nine/ten days. However, treatment of beef heifers with a norgestomet implant towards the end of luteal phase to control oestrus and ovulation is associated with development of a persistent ovulatory follicle and reduced pregnancy rate (Mihm et al., 1994). The objective of this study was to determine the effects of treating beef cows with one or two norgestomet implants on the development of the dominant ovulatory follicle of the second follicular wave.
Annual energy intake and early post-partum performance of beef heifers differing in body size and milk potential
Authors: Yildiz S. , Sinclair K.D. , Gebbie F.E. , Broadbent P.J. , Hutchinson J.S.M.
Published: November 2021

As part of a long term study to assess the suitability of beef cow genotypes, differing in body size and milk potential, for different forage environments within the UK, eight purebred Aberdeen Angus (AA; considered to be small and relatively non-milky) and eight purebred Simmental (Sm; considered to be large and relatively milky) heifers were placed on different levels of annual energy intake. Changes in body composition and milk yield were recorded and related to early post partum ovarian activity.
The potential for improving soya-bean meal in diets for weaned piglets by protease treatment: comparison with other protein sources
Authors: Rooke J.A. , Fraser H. , Shanks M. , Morgan A
Published: November 2021

Vegetable proteins, including soya-bean meal (SBM), can only be included in diets for newly-weaned piglets in restricted amounts as they can induce a transient local gut hypersensitivity. This hypersensitivity may be a causative factor in post-weaning diarrhoea. The object of the current experiment was to assess whether protease treatment of SBM could reduce in vitro antigenicity of SBM and improve its nutritional value when fed to newly weaned piglets.

Soya-bean meal was treated for 3 h at 50Â°C at 800 g water / kg. Treatment was carried out at pH 4.5 without and with lg protease P2 (Finnfeeds International Ltd) / kg soya-bean meal dry matter (DM). Treated SBM was neutralised and dried at 65Â°C before inclusion into diets. The diets were formulated to contain 14.5 MJ Digestible Energy (DE), 190 g crude protein (CP) and 12 g total lysine / kg.
Response of weaned pigs to diets containing spray dried plasma protein and spray dried blood cells
Authors: Lynch P.B. , Weaver E. , Russell L. E.
Published: November 2021

Spray dried plasma protein (SDPP) has been used as a replacement for expensive milk based ingredients in starter diets in the US over the past few years. The objective of this trial was to assess dried blood products as a replacement for dried milk products and fish meal in diets fed to pigs for four weeks after weaning.

Thirty six mixed sex groups of 16 pigs, weaned at 22-28 days of age and weighing 7.6 (s.e. 0.1) kg, were used in this trial in a factorial design of two starter diets (control and 10% SDPP (AP920) - American Protein Corp., Ames, Iowa) for 14 days from weaning, followed by two link diets (control and 2.5% spray dried blood cells - SDBC (AP301)) for 12 days. Composition of diets is shown in Table 1. All pigs received a common weaner diet from day 26 to day 49 (34 kg liveweight approx).
The effect of body condition of gilts at first mating on long-term sow production
Authors: Challinor C M , Dams G , Edwards B , Close W H
Published: November 2021

The body condition of the gilt at first mating may have a significant effect upon its lifetime reproductive performance. (Gueblez et al, 1985). Gaughan et al (1995), have recently demonstrated that gilts with low backfat thickness (9- 13mm) had fewer litters and weaned fewer piglets than gilts with medium (14-16mm) and high (>17mm) levels. The extent to which variations in both body weight and backfat thickness of gilts at first mating influence long-term reproductive efficiency has been further investigated in a commercial trial at the JSR Commercial Development Unit, Catwick. The overall objective of the trial was to assess the long-term performance of modern pig genotypes under commercial conditions.
The effect of moderate amino acid excesses on the food intake and growth rate of growing pigs
Authors: Langer S. , Fuller M.F.
Published: November 2021

Food intake is one of the most important factors governing animal performance. Amongst the dietary variables that affect food intake, both deficiencies and excesses of protein and amino acids are known to be important. Moreover, excesses of certain amino acids may alter protein utilisation and consequently animal performance. Although large amino acid excesses have been shown in various experiments to alter food intake of weanling or growing pigs (Baker, 1993) the effects of the moderate amino acid excesses that may arise in normal diet formulation have been little studied. The objective of this experiment was to study if a 100% excess of single amino acids in a diet with an 'ideally' balanced amino acid pattern could alter daily food intake, average daily gain or food conversion ratio in growing pigs. The excesses used were relatively small to investigate the effect of excess within the range that might be found in practice.
Reduction of nitrogen excretion by pigs between 20 and 50 kg live weight given low protein diets
Authors: Simmins P.H. , Braund J.P. , Laurie A. , Pinasseau J. , Weigel J.
Published: November 2021

The potential reduction in nitrogenous excretion by growing pigs, through the reduction of protein levels in diets, has not been consistently achieved without compromising performance. This may have been due to inadequate formulation of the diets. Formulation on the basis of the total amino acid content of feed ingredients may limit the nitrogen retention, and hence the rate of protein accretion (Lee et al., 1993). Therefore, the objective of the experiment reported here was to evaluate the nitrogen balance of pigs fed diets at two levels of protein, formulated on the basis of true ileal digestibility of the essential amino acids (RhÃ´ne-Poulenc Animal Nutrition, 1993) and the net energy available from the raw materials (Noblet et al., 1994).
The use of different xylanase sources and a protease in wheat-based diets for weaner pigs
Authors: Schulze H. , Partridge G. G. , Gill B. P.
Published: November 2021

There is much current interest in the potential of suitable in-feed enzymes to improve digestibility and productive performance in pigs. However, in order to improve the nutritional value of feed by enzyme supplementation it is important to match enzyme characteristics to both the substrates present and the animal species concerned. The main antinutritive factors in wheat are arabinoxylans and they comprise over 50% of the total NSP's in the whole grain. Since monogastric animals do not possess the endogenous enzymes to break down the cell wall structures of wheat, which consist mainly of arabinoxylans, the addition of xylan degrading enzymes should be considered. Therefore, a growth trial in weaner pigs was conducted to evaluate the effect of supplementing a pelleted wheat/soya - based diet with two different xylanase sources (Trichoderma spp.), provided at the same activity levels in a premix (xyl#l and xyl#2). A third enzyme treatment incorporated the same level of xyl#l in conjunction with a protease (pro) obtained from Bacillus subtilis.
The influence of carcass backfat thickness and intramuscular fat level on pork eating quality
Authors: Blanchard P.J. , Warkup C.C. , Willis M.B. , Ellis M.
Published: November 2021

The reduction in the mean backfat thickness of pigs that has occurred in the UK since a national pig carcass classification scheme was introduced in 1971 has shifted the distribution of P2 depths leading to a marked increase in the number of extremely lean pigs slaughtered. This trend in leaner pork has been accompanied by critical comment from the meat industry, particularly retail butchers, regarding the increasing incidence of meat quality problems among the ultra-lean carcasses at the leading edge of the frequency distribution. The complaints are of poor cutting, presentational and processing qualities and suggest that the flavour, juiciness and tenderness (eating quality) of meat from modern lean hybrids is lower than that from pigs produced some 20-30 years ago.
Assessment of pork eating quality: comparisons between individual taste panellists
Authors: Wood J.D. , Nute G.R. , Baker A. , Valliss L.
Published: November 2021

Eating quality is an important aspect of carcass value but it is difficult to measure. Trained taste panels are the only realistic option but results are sometimes variable. As part of a larger study into the design of taste panels tests in commercial situations, this work has examined differences between panellists.
Dietary preference of sheep for grass and clover at contrasting sward surface heights
Authors: Harvey A. , Orr R.J.
Published: November 2021

To develop sustainable grazing systems based on mixed plant species communities, it is important to know how much and from which species animals eat. Previous studies have shown that sheep have a preference for about 70% clover in their diet, when offered a choice between grass and clover at the same sward surface height, 6cm SSH, (Parsons et al, 1994). The objective of this experiment was to establish whether grazing sheep altered their preference for ryegrass (Lolium perenne) and white clover (Trifolium repens) in response to variation in the relative vertical availability of the grass and clover.
The effects of spatial aggregation of grass and clover swards grazed by sheep on diet and sward composition
Authors: Harvey A. , Orr R.J.
Published: November 2021

The objective was to identify the long term consequence of two extreme scales of spatial heterogeneity of perennial ryegrass and white clover on the diet selected by sheep, together with plant to plant species competition and hence sward composition. Large patches (ie highly aggregated swards) offer minimum between plant species competition, but maximum likelihood of selection by the grazing animals, whereas a fine mixture of two plant species provides maximum between plant species competition and reduced opportunity for selection by the grazing animals.
Sewage sludge as a potential source of lead in liver, kidney and muscle tissues of growing lambs
Authors: Wilkinson J.M. , Hill J. , Livesey C.T. , Stark B.A. , Curran M.K. , Lean I.J. , Hall J.E.
Published: November 2021

Addition of sewage sludge to grassland may be reflected in ingestion of lead by animals with implications for the human food chain. The research reported here was part of a series of experiments conducted to investigate the possible risk to the health of livestock and humans associated with the use of sewage sludge in agriculture. The transfer of several elements to the body tissues of lambs was examined, including that of cadmium, copper, zinc and lead. The results for lead are reported in this paper.

Weaned Kent lambs (6/treatment, 20 to 45 kg liveweight) were given dried grass ad libitum (Trial 1, indoor feeding) either as the sole feed (C) or with 100 g/kg DM of one of two soils (CM, sandy -pH 6.18; or RM, a calcareous loam - pH 7.55) which had been amended historically with sewage sludge and which contained 102 (CM) and 130 (RM) mg Pb/kg DM.
Urinary excretion of benzoic acid and hippuric acid in sheep given ruminal infusion of 3-phenylpropionic and cyclohexanecarboxylic acids
Authors: Pagella J.H. , Chen X.B. , MacLeod N.A. , Ãrskov E.R.
Published: November 2021

Microbial fermentation of lignoceluUosic feeds in the rumen produces 3-phenylpropionic (PPA) and cyclohexanecarboxylic (CHCA) acids. Feed phenolic cinnamic acids are regarded as the main precursors of PPA upon microbial action (Martin 1982b). CHCA can be produced by microbial metabolism of dietary alicyclic compounds such as quinic and shikimic acids (Balba and Evans, 1977; Martin, 1982a). Following absorption CHCA and PPA are subjected to metabolism mainly in the liver yielding benzoic acid (BA) which is extensively excreted in urine mainly as its glycine conjugate hippuric acid (HA). The aim of this work was to assess the quantitative relationship between the urinary excretion of total BA (free BA + HA) and the uptake of PPA and CHCA.
The influence of different rates of oxalic acid administration on the rate at which oxalic acid is degraded in the rumen of sheep and goats
Authors: Frutos P. , Duncan A.J. , Young S.
Published: November 2021

Oxalic acid is present at high concentrations in certain plants such as Beta vulgaris L. and Rumex spp. and may cause renal toxicity following consumption by ruminants. Oral dosing of animals with free oxalic acid leads to an increase in the rate of oxalic acid breakdown in the rumen (Allison and Reddy, 1984). However, information is lacking on the extent to which the rate of administration of oxalic acid affects the capacity of ruminants to degrade the compound. Moreover, different species with different foraging habits may show different ability to detoxify the oxalic acid.

This experiment was carried out in order to determine the extent to which the rate of exposure to oxalic acid affects the capacity of the rumen of sheep and goats to degrade the compound.
The effect of different dietary energy substrates on performance and behaviour of outdoor sows
Authors: Edwards S A , Riddoch I , Buckner L J
Published: November 2021

Outdoor sows are subject to a variable climatic environment and to competition within the group for food. High fibre diets, with greater bulk and heat increment, might be beneficial in pregnancy whilst the converse properties might favour high oil diets during lactation.

A 2x2 factorial design compared 2 pregnancy diets, cereal based [C] (122 g/kg NDF, 38 g/kg AEE, 13.0 MJ/kg DE, 157 g/kg CP) or high fibre [F] (222 g/kg NDF, 11.5 MJ/kg DE, 138 g/kg CP), and 2 lactation diets, diet C (as in pregnancy) or high oil [O] (72 g/kg AEE, 14.5 MJ/kg DE, 174 g/kg CP). 231 reproductive cycles of Camborough 12 sows were studied over an 18 month period. Pregnancy diets were fed to paddocks of 8-13 sows at a treatment level providing the same daily intake of DE and protein, adjusted to maintain body condition as appropriate to the time of year.