bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Investigating the accuracy and usefulness of ultrasonic scanning and muscle scoring in predicting carcass conformation, fat and composition in cattle
Authors: Doorley S. , Drennan M.J. , Caffrey P.J. , Pullar D. , Stark J.
Published: June 2019

Increasingly the market demand is for carcasses of better conformation which is reflected in carcass prices. Therefore the breeding policy for suckler herds must reflect market requirements. This study examined the usefulness of ultrasonic scanning and muscle scoring in predicting carcass conformation, fatness and meat yield.
Relationship between the production of short chain fatty acids and gas when proteins are incubated in vitro
Authors: Rymer C. , Fakhri S. , Moss A.R. , Givens D.I.
Published: June 2019

The in vitro gas production technique is a means of measuring the dynamics of fermentation. If Wolin (1960) stoichiometry is assumed, and the amount of short chain fatty acids (SCFA) produced during an incubation are measured, the volume of gas produced can be predicted (Blümmel et al., 1997). When carbohydrate rich feeds are incubated, observed and predicted gas volumes are well related (Getachew et al., 1998). Blümmel et al. (1999) also observed a good relationship between observed and predicted gas volumes across a wide range of feeds. However, it was suggested by Cone and van Gelder (1999) that when proteins were incubated in vitro, the relationship was poor, which would suggest that the fermentation of proteins in vitro does not follow Wolin (1960) stoichiometry. The objective of this study was to investigate the relationship between observed and predicted gas volumes when protein rich feeds were incubated in vitro.
Plasma inorganic iodine values in beef cows following rumen bolus or dietary mineral supplementation
Authors: Parkins J. J. , Hemingway R. G. , Fishwick G. , Ritchie N. S.
Published: June 2019

Plasma inorganic iodine concentrations (PII, ng/ml) are increasingly used in preference to plasma thyroxine concentrations (T4) for diagnostic purposes. PII represents current dietary iodine intake and responds rapidly (within a very few days) to increases and decreases in dietary iodine (I) intake by cows (Rogers and Mee, 1966). This study measured changes in PII in response to different I intakes supplied by contrasting methods to beef cows during late pregnancy and early lactation.
The effects of lysine: energy density on performance and nitrogen balance of 50, 65 and 80 kg pigs
Authors: Leek A.B.G. , Callan J.J. , Flynn B. , O’Doherty J.V.
Published: June 2019

Pig producers are under pressure from cost production and are having to become increasingly environmentally aware. Phase-feeding has been suggested as an alternative feeding strategy, which may have the potential to improve productivity and reduce nitrogen excretion in the growing-finishing period. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of mono- versus tri-phase feeding on pig performance and nitrogen balance.
Passive infrared detection (PID) of activity in groups of broiler chickens growing at different rates
Authors: Nielsen B.L. , Kjaer J.B. , Friggens N.C.
Published: June 2019

Activity of fast growing broiler chickens is known to decrease at two to three weeks of age, whereas slower growing hybrids are not only more active, but remain so throughout the growth period (Reiter and Bessei, 1998). The present experiment aimed to monitor diurnal patterns and time courses of activity in groups of commercial broilers fed one of two feed types differing in energy content. Activity was assessed using passive infrared detectors (PIDs), which sense movement of an object with a temperature different from that of the background.
Hut space requirements for outdoor sows
Authors: Cooper M , Wijnberg M , Edwards S A
Published: June 2019

Whilst the lying space requirements for housed pigs have been scientifically defined (Petherick, 1983) it may not be appropriate to extrapolate these directly to the hut space requirement in the outdoor situation, where understocking carries a potential thermal penalty. However, it is important that hut space is adequate for all sows to obtain shelter when desired. The objective of this study was therefore to determine the preferred hut space requirements for outdoor sows, with the rationale that an inadequate hut space allowance would increase the number of animals forced to rest outside in a suboptimal thermal environment.
An investigation into the effect of different protein and energy intakes on the tail chewing behaviour of growing pigs
Authors: McIntyre J. , Edwards S.A.
Published: June 2019

It has been widely reported that the pigs responsible for tail biting under both commercial and experimental conditions, are those which show poor growth rates. This may be because of an inability to obtain food because of social factors or poor pen design, or an inability to utilise food because of health or metabolic disorders. A major reduction in protein:energy ratio in the diet has been shown to increase attraction to blood in an experimental tail chewing model (Fraser, 1987). The aim of this study was to clarify whether the increased attraction to blood is a consequence of a specific metabolic state resulting from a protein deficiency (with effects on neurotransmitter pathways, Harper and Peters, 1989), or whether it occurs under conditions of a reduced growth rate irrespective of a protein deficiency.
The influence of body condition and level of feeding on the heat production of nonpregnant, nonlactating dairy cows
Authors: Agnew R E , Birnie J W , Gordon F J , Yan T
Published: June 2019

Chowdhury and Ørskov (1994) observed that heat production in sheep was reduced by approximately 10% below that at fasting when the animal was offered one third of the predicted maintenance requirement through intragastric nutrition. These authors also suggested that this indicated a glucose deficient state in the fasted animal, and that as a result the heat production at fasting was artificially raised. In agreement with Ørskov and MacLeod (1990), Chowdhury and Ørskov (1994) further stated that when measuring heat production to estimate basal metabolism animals should have their heat production measured when being offered one third of maintenance rather than fasting, although this was not tested by experiment. Birnie et al., (2000) reported that fasting heat production was influenced by the condition score of the cow. The objectives of this experiment were firstly to investigate the influence of maintenance and sub-maintenance levels of feeding on the observed heat production in nonpregnant, nonlactating dairy cows offered a more normal diet and secondly to further examine the influence of cow condition score on the fasting heat production.
Effect of long and short-term protein nutrition on the metabolic status, body composition and reproductive performance of gilts
Authors: Slevin J. , Wiseman J. , Hunter M.G. , Walker R.M. , Webb R.
Published: June 2019

Reproductive failure is a source of major economic loss to the UK pig industry, accounting for 0.5 of all first parity gilt cullings (MLC Pig Year Book, 1995). Previous research (Cameron et al, 1999) has shown that rearing gilts on a diet formulated to support maximal protein deposition has beneficial effects on ovulation rate at 3rd oestrus. The aim of the current experiment was to develop further the previous model to assess long and short-term effects of protein nutrition on reproductive performance, body composition and metabolic status.
Meat Structure and Quality
Authors: Purslow Peter
Published: June 2019

This abstract is built from the work of many members of our research group in Copenhagen. The names in brackets indicate the main people involved in each element of the reported results

For most common meats, the most important aspects of eating quality that determine overall acceptability are taste (flavour), texture (especially toughness/tenderness) and juiciness (water-holding). Unexplained variations in tenderness and water-holding are two of the consistent problems in the industry and sources of consumer dissatisfaction. A basic understanding of the causes of variability in toughness and water-holding is therefore important to the meat industry, because an understanding of the mechanisms controlling these aspects of eating and processing quality is desirable if we are to reduce undesirable variations and ensure high acceptability. Despite considerable research in the last century, we have met with only partial success in explaining the causes of such variations. This warns us that the complete picture is multivariate and complex. Toughness and water-holding are in fact both properties determined at several levels of structure within muscle tissue, from the molecular, through to macroscopic. Our current programme of research contains several related areas of work which aim to further our understanding of the structural mechanisms at several levels of organisation which cause variations in tenderness and water-holding of whole meat.
Animal Rights and Wrongs
Authors: Scruton R
Published: June 2019

Animals are an object of concern, and, as we extend our control over the earth’s resources, ever more so.

The old way of distinguishing humans from other animals - in terms of the soul, God’s purpose, and the after-life - is no longer universally accepted, and the Darwinian theory of species has unsettled people’s moral perceptions. Is there any way of making the distinction between humans and other animals, therefore, that could recommend itself to modern, secular, sceptical people who believe nevertheless in the difference between right and wrong?
Animal Health – The Scientist
Authors: Edwards D.S. , Johnston A.M.
Published: June 2019

Food animal health impacts on productivity, animal welfare and human health. What happens to an animal on the farm and its resulting health status has an important influence on the quality, safety and wholesomeness of the meat and offal obtained from that animal. Our research has largely been focused on the environmental influences on beef cattle and sheep health, the farm environment and management, in particular and how it impacts on veterinary public health, i.e. food safety, and animal welfare. The main objective of the study was to examine the use of information about the health and management of cattle and lambs on the farm to predict the risk of visible lesions at slaughter. Th e feasibility of identifying farm-level risk factors for gross lesions detectable during post-mortem meat inspection has been investigated, from which the findings of the sheep study have been published (Edwards, et al. 1999).
Early experience of ammoniated environments and subsequent avoidance behaviour in domestic fowl
Authors: Jones E. K. M. , Wathes C. M. , Webster A. J. F.
Published: June 2019

The adverse physical effects of atmospheric ammonia on stock (Charles and Payne, 1966; Wolfe et al. 1968) and stockpeople (Kirkhorn and Garry, 2000) have been documented, but broiler chickens’ perception of this aspect of their own welfare has not been fully investigated. Previous studies have demonstrated a delayed avoidance of high ammonia concentrations (Jones et al., 2000) but we could not categorically claim that this was a true aversion to ammonia since the birds may simply have expressed a preference for fresh air based on their previous experience. This experiment was designed to establish whether avoidance of ammonia in broiler chickens was an intrinsic aversion, independent of previous atmospheric experience.
The effect of boar team size on reproductive behaviour in a dynamic service system
Authors: Grigoriadis D. F. , Edwards S. A. , English P. R. , Davidson F.
Published: June 2019

The effect of male hierarchy on the sexual activity of individuals is unclear from the recent scientific literature and a clear distinction between the social and sexual aspects of this hierarchy is lacking. Moreover, the effect of male team size on the extent of sexual competition between individuals has not been examined in the recently developed group mating systems for pigs, such as the Dynamic Service System for gilts (DSS). The main objectives of the present study were therefore to examine the effect of boar sexual status on the sexual activity of individuals and the influence of boar team size on the reproductive output of a DSS.
Breed and parity differences in ovine placentation: Implications for placental efficiency and lamb vigour
Authors: Dwyer C. M. , Calvert S. K. , Farish M. , Cotham S. , Donbavand J. , Chirnside J. , Pickup H. E.
Published: June 2019

Lamb vigour at birth (i.e. time to stand after delivery) is known to be affected by a number of maternal factors, such as parity and litter size (Dwyer, 2002), as well as lamb breed (Dwyer et al., 1996), and is related to subsequent lamb survival (Dwyer et al., 2001). It is likely that these factors act before birth to influence lamb development and may exert their effects through differences in placental development and function. The purpose of this experiment was to examine the effects of ewe parity, litter size and ewe breed on placental components, and relate these to lamb behavioural development at birth.
The effect of grass and maize silage quality on diet digestibility and performance of beef cattle
Authors: Kirkland R.M. , Patterson D.C.
Published: June 2019

A preliminary study at this Institute indicated that inclusion of high quality maize silage in a grass silage-based diet could promote higher forage intakes in beef cattle, but the response to inclusion of maize silage was affected by the quality of grass silage. The objective of this study was to further examine the effects of grass (GS) and maize (MS) silage qualities on intake characteristics, and to evaluate the influence of forage offered on animal performance.
Dominance hierarchies in domestic cats: useful construct or bad habit?
Authors: Bradshaw J. W. S. , Lovett R. E.
Published: June 2019

In the diagnosis and treatment of behavioural disorders in multi-cat households, it is often assumed that a dominance hierarchy exists between the cats (e.g. Crowell-Davis, 2002). While such hierarchies are probably commonplace among dogs, what evidence there is to support the existence of social hierarchies in groups of domestic cats has mainly been gathered from reproductively entire animals, such as single sex laboratory colonies, and free-ranging aggregations of ferals. For example, Natoli et al. (2001) used receipt of “submissive” (defensive) behaviour to construct a weakly linear hierarchy in a group of 14 farm cats, but this did not correspond to the hierarchy derived from receipt of affiliative behaviour. We have investigated the alternative hypotheses that apparent dominance hierarchies in multi-cat households may actually be based upon territorial behaviour, or some other undetermined social system.
The effects of metabolisable protein on the periparturient relaxation of immunity against Teladorsagia circumcincta in mature Friesland dairy ewes
Authors: Partington E.C. , Sinclair L.A. , Mackenzie A.M. , Donaldson J.
Published: June 2019

With increasing incidence in anthelmintic drench resistance, it is appropriate that more sustainable approaches to controlling nematode infections in livestock should be investigated. It is believed that larval contamination of pasture originates from the mature breeding ewe during the periparturient breakdown of immunity. Donaldson et al. (1998) reported that increasing the metabolisable protein (MP) supply of the ewe in late pregnancy may moderate the periparturient relaxation of immunity. The most pronounced results to date are those involving the supplementation of diets with fishmeal, believed to be related to the ‘protected’ protein content of the ration. Fishmeal increases both MP and polyunsaturated fatty acid content of the diet but as yet it is unclear which of these components of the diet may affect immunity to parasites. This study investigated the role of MP supply in maintaining immunity to parasitic infection in pedigree Friesland dairy ewes.
Molecular detection of tick-borne pathogens in small ruminants
Authors: Machete J. B. , Cringoli G. , Rinaldi L. , Otranto D. , Guida B. , Sparagano O.A.E.
Published: June 2019

Ticks and tick-borne pathogens are responsible for mortality and morbidity in livestock, wildlife, pets and humans in many countries. However, detection is difficult with multiple infection cases and low infection rates in carrier animals. We used a macro-array-based method to simultaneously detect tick-borne pathogens.
Ontogeny of factors thought to control the development of ovine muscle in utero
Authors: Fahey A.J. , Brameld J.M. , Parr T. , Buttery P.J.
Published: June 2019

It is believed that there are time periods during the lifetime of an animal when inadequate nutrition may result in the animal not reaching its genetic potential. One sensitive period is during early foetal life at the time when muscle fibres are being formed from myogenic cells. The total numbers of muscle fibres for life are essentially set during this period. The aim of this study was to try and identify the ontogeny of muscle cell differentiation by quantifying the mRNA expression of ovine IGF-I, ovine IGF-II, and ovine myogenin, factors known to influence myoblast proliferation or differentiation. The aim was to gain an indication of the time period during gestation at which differentiation of the muscle cells commences. The period before differentiation (i.e. during proliferation) is potentially sensitive to external factors, such as nutrient supply. This information could be used to determine the time during pregnancy when adequate feeding is essential to ensure maximum muscle development of the offspring, and may allow the manipulation of diet to change muscle characteristics for meat production.
Effect of 9,10-Anthraquinone on rumen methane production as studied in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Fievez V. , Vlaeminck B. , Steinberg W. , Immig I. , Demeyer D.
Published: June 2019

In vitro supplementation of 0.05% [on a substrate basis (wt/wt)] - but not of 0.01% - of 9,10-Anthraquinone (AQ) inhibited rumen methanogenesis, reduced total volatile fatty acid (VFA) concentrations and molar proportions of acetate (Acet), increased proportions of propionate (Prop) and butyrate (But) and resulted sometimes in H2 accumulation (Garcia-Lopez et al., 1996). In vivo administration of high amounts of AQ [5% on a substrate basis (wt/wt)] to lambs depressed CH4 and increased H2 concentrations in ruminal gases during the complete 19 days of administration, whereas original concentrations were re-installed within 6 days after the removal of AQ from the diet (Kung et al., 1996). In this experiment we aimed to study the dose effect of AQ on in vitro rumen fermentation and modifications to rumen fermentation when administering 0.05% of AQ in vivo.
Relationship between rumen odd and branched chain fatty acids and fermentation characteristics as studied in vitro
Authors: Vlaeminck B. , Fievez V. , van Laar H. , Demeyer D.
Published: June 2019

Rumen microbes contain a high proportion (20 to 50%) of their fatty acids (FA) as odd and branched chain fatty acids (OBCFA; C15:0, iso C15:0, anteiso C15:0, C17:0; iso C17:0; anteiso C17:0 and C17:1) and different bacterial classes have distinctive OBCFA ‘fingerprints’. As OBCFA make up around 5% of FA in milk, it has been suggested that there is scope for these compounds to be used in on-farm diagnostic milk-based tests in relation to the rumen fermentation pattern. Correlations of milk OBCFA with rumen fermentation pattern were recently shown (Vlaeminck et al., 2002). In the current in vitro study, the potential of rumen OBCFA to predict the production of volatile fatty acids (VFA) was evaluated.
Management system to control and minimise effect caused by post-weaning multi systemic wasting syndrome and porcine dermatitis and nephropathy syndrome
Authors: Brice R. D.
Published: June 2019

The increasing prevalence of PMWS /PDNS within global pig production since 1995 has steadily increased, UK first affected in 1999. Impact on post weaning mortality is variable with rates exceeding 30% commonly reported, no medication or treatments have proved effective or successful, vaccination is still unavailable and the industry is still striving to find the scientific answers and solutions behind this economically damaging disease. Porcine Circovirus 2 (PCV2) is widely acknowledged as the probable causal agent but still not confirmed, if so has it changed or is it a new PCV? With enhanced virulence, a definitive identification and test is urgently required. The objective is to demonstrate how successful specialised management techniques alongside a batch system is capable of reducing post-weaning mortality to pre PMWS levels and to further improve overall herd health, productivity and economic performance.
Novel quantitative trait loci for chemical body composition traits in pigs
Authors: Duthie C. , Simm G. , Knap P. , Wilson A. , Kalm E. , Roehe R.
Published: June 2019

Quantitative trait loci (QTL) associated with physical and chemical body composition of the pig are of substantial economic interest. Previous studies have reported QTL for physical body composition such as lean and fat tissue traits (Roehe et al., 2003). In contrast, QTL associated with chemical body composition and for the change in deposition of such components during growth have only been reported in one previous study (Mohrmann et al., 2006). Knowledge of the genomic regulation of body composition during growth is important to accurately estimate nutritional requirements, optimise the entire production system, characterise the population of interest, and to optimise food intake capacity by breeding.
Effect of substitution of a proportion of the concentrate in grass silage/concentrate-based diets with extruded linseed on performance and meat quality of dairy bulls
Authors: Dawson L.E.R. , Fearon A.M. , Moss B.W. , Woods V.B.
Published: June 2019

While meat from ruminants (beef and lamb) has been shown to have high levels of saturated and low levels of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) (Wood et al 1999), the beneficial properties of beef include the lower n-6:n-3 ratio, particularly under grass-fed systems, relative to pork or poultry and the presence of appreciable quantities of α linolenic acid, eicosapentaenoic and docosapentaenoic acid. The latter have been shown to reduce the incidence of cardio-vascular disease in humans. While feeding whole linseed has been shown to enhance the fatty acid composition of muscle (Scollan et al 2001), whole linseed is subject to significant levels of biohydrogenation in the rumen. Extruded linseed (Valomega) is promoted as increasing conjugated linoleic acid and α linolenic acid in meat through improving the efficiency of fatty acid metabolism in the rumen and intestine. The objective of the current study was to evaluate the effect of level of inclusion of extruded linseed in diets of dairy bulls on fatty acid composition of meat and instrumental meat quality.
Relations between ruminal and intestinal in sacco starch digestion in ruminants
Authors: Ramos B. , Champion M. , Poncet C. , Doreau M. , Nozière P.
Published: June 2019

The proportion of the starch that escapes rumen degradation varies from 5 to 65% of the starch intake. It depends on the feeding level and the nature of the cereal, and for a same cereal, on its endosperm hardness, related to genotype and maturity, and on the technological treatments, including particle size (Huntington et al., 2006). The intestinal digestion of starch escaping rumen degradation essentially takes place in the small intestine and varies between 15 to 85% of the starch that arrives into the duodenum. As in the rumen, this variability would essentially be due to the intrinsic features of the maize that determines the accessibility of the starch to the endogenous enzymes, in particular the endosperm hardness and the particle size. The aim of this work was to evaluate the rumen starch degradation of maize and its residue digestion in the small intestine as function of particle size and endosperm hardness.
Red clover polyphenol oxidase reduces ruminal lipolysis in in vitro batch culture
Authors: Lee M. R. F. , Minchin F. R. , Hatfield R. D. , Sullivan M. L.
Published: June 2019

It has been shown that the rate of lipolysis and proteolysis differs significantly between red clover genotypes with different levels of polyphenol oxidase (PPO) activity (Lee et al. 2004). Sullivan and Hatfield, (2006) reported the development of genetically modified isolines of red clover with the PPO1 gene silenced. This material was used to examine the role of the red clover PPO enzyme on lipolysis and ultimately C18 polyunsaturated fatty acid biohydrogenation in batch culture. If the role of PPO in reducing ruminal lipolysis of plant lipids is proven it would influence breeding strategies for forages which exhibit this trait in an attempt to increase the levels of beneficial PUFA and decrease detrimental trans and saturated fatty acids in animal products.
Sites of phytase and xylanase activities in the gastrointestinal tract of broiler chickens
Authors: Sadeghi A.A. , Shawrang P. , Karimi K.
Published: June 2019

Because digesta vary in pH in different gastrointestinal segments of poultry, exogenous phytase or xylanase may exhibit differences in activity along the gastrointestinal tract. Previous reports indicated that the stomach is the major site of exogenous microbial phytase activity, with no further activity found in the small intestine of piglets. Information regarding exogenous phytase or xylanase activity in the gastrointestinal tract of poultry is largely unavailable. Because exogenous phytase or xylanase activity in the digesta is extremely low, normal phytase or xylanase activity measurements are prone to errors resulting from background interference contributed by the exogenous inorganic phosphate or xylose in the digesta (Walsh et al., 1995). The aim of this study was to utilize electrophoresis activity stain to detect the activity of phytase or xylanase in different gastrointestinal segments of broiler chickens fed diets containing exogenous enzymes.
Posture changing behaviour as an indicator of floor comfort in finishing pigs
Authors: Scott K. , Guy J.H. , Edwards S.A.
Published: June 2019

The ease with which posture changing occurs in pigs has welfare relevance since the duration of lying down and standing up behaviour may indicate the adequacy of floor type to give security of movement, and/or the mobility of animals after resting on floors differing in comfort. Standing and lying behaviours consist of a predictable sequence of movements, with stages between movements when the animal can pause in a relatively stable transition state. In sows, it has been suggested that the duration of one or more of these stages might be sensitive to both animal and environmental factors (Marchant and Broom, 1996); however whether this is the case in finishing pigs is less certain. The aim of this study was therefore to evaluate behaviours indicative of both the physical comfort of different types of floors and security of movement in finishing pigs.
The use of enrichment objects by individual pigs in commercial groups
Authors: Docking C. M. , Van de Weerd H. A. , Day J. E. L. , Edwards S. A.
Published: June 2019

The provision of environmental enrichment for pigs is a legal requirement within the EU. However, there is debate as to what constitutes suitable enrichment in commercial environments where straw cannot be used. The objective of this study was to investigate the use of objects by pigs under UK commercial conditions, and the extent to which individual pigs used, or were prevented from using, the enrichment provided.
Behavioural consequences of the genetic selection for health and fertility or ‘robustness’ in dairy cows: responsiveness to novelty and human interaction
Authors: Gibbons J. , Donald R. , Turl R. , Maggs L. , Wall E. , Lawrence A.B. , Haskell M.
Published: June 2019

Modern dairy cows appear to be less ‘robust’ or adaptable than in the past, as typified by high involuntary culling and poorer health. This could be addressed by the use of broader breeding goals and breeding indices that include traits that are likely to improve fertility and health. Body energy balance and growth rate in the first lactation are traits that are likely to underlie health and fertility and have been included in an index of robustness (Wall et al., 2006). However, we need to ensure that the inclusion of these new traits does not have any unforeseen effects on animal behaviour, which may reduce the welfare of the individual or the group she is housed in. Selection to improve body condition may mean that the animals seek increased access to feed. It may be hypothesised that this could lead them to be more aggressive at the feed-trough. Alternatively, they may increase their feed intake by becoming unresponsive to the social and physical environment, and feeding outwith the peak feeding period. This could mean that they become less responsive to their environment and possibly become harder to handle. The aim of this experiment was to compare the behaviour of daughters of bulls which scored high on the functionality sub-index of the robustness index (‘high functionality’ bulls) with daughters of bulls which scored low (‘low functionality’ bulls) on this sub-index. Specifically, we investigated the responsiveness to the environment, by assessing reactions to a novel object and to an unfamiliar person.
Nutrition index and soil nitrate residues in grazed pastures fertilised with mineral fertiliser, pig slurry or cattle compost
Authors: Dufrasne I. , Meura S. , Cabaraux J. F. , Istasse L. , Hornick J.L.
Published: June 2019

A code of good practice was established by each European member state according to the nitrate directive. In Belgium, the nitrogen (N) inputs in pastures from slurry or compost are limited to 210 kg N/ha. Larger quantities can be applied when additional measurements, including soil nitrates analyses are carried on by the farmer. This trial aims to measure nitrogen balance, nitrogen nutrition index (NNI) and soil nitrates contents in pastures fertilised with mineral nitrogen fertiliser, pig slurry or cattle compost, the pastures being grazed by dairy cows and the fertilisation being brought at similar efficient N levels. NNI was calculated as the ratio of the actual N concentration to the sward N concentration it would have to be at a similar biomass in order to sustain a non limiting growth and a biomass accumulation (Lemaire and Gastal, 1997). Cattle compost was produced from cattle manure unloaded through the beaters of a spreader.
Genetic progress in broiler traits – implications for welfare
Authors: Fleming E. C. , Fisher C. , McAdam J.
Published: June 2019

Genetic selection has dramatically increased the growth potential of broilers. A positive correlation exists between growth rate and the occurrence of leg disorders (Sørensen et al., 1999), and rapid growth rate is widely presumed to be a fundamental cause of leg ill-health in the modern broiler. However, it is recognised that the simultaneous improvement of growth rate and reduction in incidence of leg disorders is possible (Sørensen, 1992). The objective of this study was to explore the impact that selection for growth has had on broiler welfare, as measured by leg health and mortality, using data from genetic control strains.
Comparison of metabolic profiles and fertility in the same dairy cows during their first and second lactations
Authors: Bourne N. , Swali A. , Jones A.K. , Potterton S. , Wathes D.C.
Published: June 2019

The decline in dairy cow fertility over the past 30 years has major economic, welfare, genetic and environmental consequences. A significant number of potential replacement heifers either never calve or else complete only a single lactation. The relationships between metabolic status and fertility may change with age as cows reach physical maturity. To determine the reasons behind the high loss rates attributable to infertility, this study tracked a group of animals until the end of their second lactation to compare fertility and metabolic hormone profiles in the same cows at different ages.
Effects of dairy cow genotype and plane of nutrition on nitrogen partitioning between milk and body tissue
Authors: Yan T. , Agnew R. E. , Mayne C. S.
Published: June 2019

Breeding programmes for the Holstein-Friesian have historically 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 using a multi-trait selection procedure. Differences in selection procedures for the two breeds may have major effects on the efficiency of food use and partitioning of nutrients that may offset the potential advantages of improvements in functional traits. Recently, Yan et al., (2006) reported that Holstein-Friesian cows partitioned more energy into milk and less to body tissue than Norwegian cows. The objectives of the present study were to examine possible differences in nitrogen partitioning and the efficiency of N utilization between Holstein-Friesian and Norwegian dairy cows.
Prepubertal predictors for fertility in dairy cattle: potential use of metabolic hormones
Authors: Hayhurst C. , Flint A.P.F , Lovendahl P. , Woolliams J.A , Royal M.D.
Published: June 2019

The length and severity of negative energy balance postpartum is unfavourably correlated (genetically & phenotypically) with interval to first ovulation (de Vries & Veerkamp, 2000). During this period concentrations of free fatty acids (FFA), glucose, growth hormone (GH), insulin, insulin like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) and other hormones, all of which have links with many aspects of reproduction, are altered. A moderate heritability and genetic correlation between these parameters in the female and male (who is ultimately of most use for selection purposes) calf with female fertility could allow juvenile selection for fertility. With this in mind the objective of this study was to estimate the heritability of FFA, glucose, GH, insulin and IGF-1 concentration in male and female calves.
Effect of index selection in GGP lines on cocoon traits of silkworm commercial hybrids
Authors: Ghanipour Mani , Mirhosseini Seyed Ziaeddin , Shadparvar Abdol Ahad , Seidavi Alireza , Bizhannia Alireza
Published: June 2019

The general aim of selection in animal breeding is to acquire new generation of animals, which under future economic conditions of production system are more efficient than the present generation. In selection index method, genetic trend of important traits is directed based on their weights in economic efficiency of production system to acquire maximum improvement in economic merit (Mirhosseini et al., 2005). Silkworm commercial egg is produced by crossing between Japanese and Chinese origin parent stocks. There are three steps in the cycle of egg production including GGP (great grand parent), GP (grand parent) and P (parent stock). Breeding programs along with high selection pressure are used only in GGP lines which are typically much smaller in size than other stocks. The objective of this study was to evaluate effect of six generations of index selection in the GGP lines on performance of commercial silkworm hybrids.
Derivation of economic values for dairy cattle in Iran and comparison to other countries
Authors: Sadeghi-Sefidmazgi Ali , Moradi-Shahrbabak Mohammad , Nejati-Javaremi Ardeshir , Shadparvar Abdolahad , Mulder Han A.
Published: June 2019

Index selection is the most effective selection strategy to improve total merit. Index selection requires the economic values (EVs) of the traits in the breeding goal and the genetic parameters of the traits in the breeding goal and in the index (Hazel and Lush, 1942). According to this theory, in most countries a national selection index has been developed for dairy cattle (Miglior et al., 2005). In Iran a national selection index has not yet been developed. The first objective of this study was, therefore, to estimate economic values for production traits (milk, fat and protein yield) and longevity for Holsteins in Iran. The second objective was to compare the proposed Iranian selection index with selection indices of other countries in the world.
Neonatal piglet survival indicators in an outdoor system
Authors: Baxter E. M. , Jarvis S. , Sherwood L. , Farish M. , Robson S. K. , Edwards S. A.
Published: June 2019

The current estimate of live-born piglet pre-weaning mortality in UK outdoor systems is 11% (MLC, 2006), representing a major welfare and economic concern. The majority of deaths occur in the first few days of life when the piglets are at their most vulnerable. Selecting for high survival in piglets, may allow breeding of animals better able to survive and better suited to alternative and less restrictive systems than the farrowing crate. The aim was to develop and measure behavioural and physiological indicators of neonatal survival, and to determine treatment effects in populations of piglets selected for high survival and control lines farrowing in an outdoor system.
The effect of protein level and diet quality on the performance of newly weaned pigs on a large scale facility
Authors: Wellock I.J. , Gill B.P. , Taylor L. , Miller A. , Houdijk J.G.M. , Kyriazakis I.
Published: June 2019

The prophylactic use of in-feed antimicrobial growth promoters (AGP) in weaner pig diets has been banned within the EU and emphasis must therefore be placed on the development of effective nutritional strategies for disease prevention. Manipulating dietary protein supply (Wellock et al., 2006) and the heat treatment of cereals (Doucet et al., 2006) have been shown to improve gut health, decrease the risk of enteric disease and minimise the post-weaning growth check under experimental conditions, by decreasing substrate availability to potential pathogens, such as enterotoxigenic E. coli (ETEC). The aim was to investigate the combined effects of protein level and diet quality on the health and performance of weaned pigs in the absence of AGP and therapeutic levels of ZnO and CuSO4 in a large-scale facility.
The digestibility and performance of complementary feedingstuffs using maillard reaction products in the post weaning pig
Authors: Hutchinson M. J. , McCann M. E. E. , Beattie V
Published: June 2019

The addition of ‘high quality’ complementary feedingstuffs to the diet of the post weaning pig can positively impact on growth and lean muscle deposition. The Maillard Reaction bonds amino acid and sugar molecules together, and is one of the major pathways in the chemical changes that occur in the cooking process. Cooking of feedingstuffs has been shown to improve the digestibility and nutritive value of a diet (Pickford et al, 1992). In this study, lysine (Lys), methionine (Met) and threonine (Thr) where chemically reacted with sugar molecules to give in vitro early Maillard Reaction Products (MRP). The aim of this study was to assess what effect the addition of a solution of these MRPs to a complementary feedingstuff (Matan XL) would have on overall diet digestibility and subsequent piglet performance.
In silico investigation of the effect of nutrition on the estimates of genetic parameters for lambs infected with gastro-intestinal parasites
Authors: Doeschl-Wilson A. B. , Vagenas D. , Bishop S.C. , Kyriazakis I.
Published: June 2019

In recent years there has been an increased interest for breeding lambs resistant to gastrointestinal parasites due to the reduced efficacy of anthelminthics. Furthermore, protein supplementation alleviates the adverse effects of parasitism since more protein is available for the satisfaction of the competing body functions of growth and resistance to parasites. Therefore, differences in dietary protein might result in the expression of genotype x environment interaction. Additionally the estimates of genetic and phenotypic correlations obtained from populations kept under different nutritional conditions might differ with implications for the breeding programmes. The aim here is to explore the effect of dietary protein level on the estimates of genetic and phenotypic correlations of a population of growing lambs infected with gastrointestinal parasites using a simulation model.
Temporal effects of protein supply on expression of immunity to Nippostrongylus brasiliensis during lactation in rats
Authors: Normanton H. , Houdijk JGM , Knox D. , Kyriazakis I
Published: June 2019

Expression of acquired immunity to gastrointestinal parasites usually breaks down during the periparturient period, which is characterised by an increased worm burden and nematode egg excretion. A possible nutritional basis of this phenomenon has been addressed in a rat model, as lactating rats exhibit a breakdown of immunity to the gastrointestinal nematode Nippostrongylus brasiliensis (Houdijk et al., 2005). Indeed, increasing protein supply and reducing protein demand at times of protein scarcity improved resistance to N. brasiliensis (Houdijk et al., 2005; Normanton et al., 2006) but did not affect associated local immune responses. The latter may have been due to the single sampling point used. Therefore, the objective of the current experiment was to assess temporal effects of increased protein supply on resistance and immune responses to N. brasiliensis in lactating rats.
Effects of lamb sucking on the bacterial flora of teat duct and mammary gland of ewes
Authors: Gougoulis D.A. , Kyriazakis I. , Tzora A. , Taitzoglou I.A. , Skoufos J. , Fthenakis G.C.
Published: June 2019

It has been proposed that sucking by lambs is associated with transfer of microorganisms into the teat. There are three different sources of bacteria for the teat duct, namely the lamb (mouth, nasopharynx), the ewe (udder skin) or the environment (bedding). The bacteria can ascent to the mammary gland and cause mastitis. Objectives of the study were i) to determine differences in bacterial flora populations in the teat duct and mammary secretion of ewes before and after sucking and ii) to evaluate factors which affect these differences.
Improving ovine peri-conception diets by feeding an algal source of omega-3 fatty acids
Authors: Pickard R.M. , Beard A.P. , Wathes D.C. , Edwards S.A.
Published: June 2019

The UK dairy industry currently suffers huge losses due to declining fertility. Although fertility in the sheep industry is good overall, the use of multiple ovulation and embryo transfer techniques would benefit from improved conception and embryo survival rates. Studies suggest that omega-3 supplementation may bring about a reduction in the secretion of prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α), which would favour the maintenance of the corpora lutea (CL) and hence, a successful pregnancy. Feeding fish meal to dairy cows has been found to improve pregnancy rates by 10% (Burke et al., 1997). Using sheep as a model, this study aimed to evaluate whether reproductive performance in ruminants is improved by feeding an algal source of omega-3 fatty acids, particularly docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, C22:6 n-3). The study was also structured to determine whether prostaglandin production is affected by supplementing diets with omega-3.
Performance of crossbred ewes in the hill sheep sector
Authors: Speijers M.H.M. , Carson A.F. , Irwin D. , Dawson L.E.R.
Published: June 2019

Flock genetics has a very major effect on the level and quality of output from the hill sheep sector. For example, ram breed substitution can increase output per ewe by up to 24% with concomitant improvements in carcass quality (Carson et al., 2001). Major opportunities now lie in improving the output potential of hill ewes through breeding. Currently, hill sheep flocks in the UK and Ireland consist mainly of purebred Scottish Blackface, Welsh Mountain, Swaledale and, to a lesser extent, Cheviot ewes. Using purebreds, rather than crossbred ewes, means that the potential benefits of heterosis are not exploited in harsh hill conditions where they are likely to be of greatest benefit. Crossbreeding can also be used to take advantage of breed differences in genetic merit for different traits e.g. hardiness, ease of lambing, prolificacy and carcass traits. In view of this background, a research programme was initiated to investigate the relative merits of a range of crossbred ewe types within hill sheep systems in Northern Ireland. This paper presents the results from the second phase of the study in which the performance of mature ewes (1-3 lambings) was investigated.
Effects of maternal undernutrition on lamb carcass characteristics and muscle fibre composition at 17 and 24 weeks of age
Authors: Daniel ZCTR , Brameld JM , Scollan ND , Buttery PJ
Published: June 2019

We have previously shown that the majority of muscle differentiation and fibre formation in sheep takes place around d 85 of gestation, with myoblast proliferation mainly occurring before this time (Fahey et al., 2005a). In a second study (Fahey et al., 2005b), maternal nutrient restriction during the proliferation stage immediately before the period of major fibre formation (d30-70 gestation) resulted in a reduction in the numbers of fast fibres in 14 d lambs. Maternal undernutrition during (d55-95) and after (d85-115) major fibre formation did not alter the muscle fibre characteristics of 14 d lambs. The objective of the present study was to determine whether the changes in muscle fibre development seen previously in 14 d lambs from ewes undernourished from d 30 to 70 of gestation are still evident in older animals, and what the long term consequences are in relation to growth rates and carcass composition.
The effects of offering a concentrate or grass silage based diet to single, twin and triplet-bearing ewes in late pregnancy on ewe performance
Authors: Boland T.M. , Hayes L. , Murphy J.J. , Quinn P.J. , Crosby T.F.
Published: June 2019

The nutrient requirements of ewes increase greatly during the final two months of gestation as a result of the rapid foetal growth (Robinson, 1990). Traditionally these nutritional requirements were met by feeding grass silage supplemented with concentrates (Sheehan et al., 1979). Intakes of silage by sheep are variable, dependant on a range of factors with silage digestibility of major importance (Sheehan, 1975). However, voluntary silage intakes have been reported to vary irrespective of quality (Sheehan and Fitzgerald, 1977). Alternatively, the energy requirements of the ewe during late pregnancy can be supplied by offering a complete concentrate diet (Sheehan, 1975). The objectives of this experiment were to compare the performance of single, twin and triplet-bearing ewes when offered either a concentrate diet or a silage based diet supplemented with concentrates, each offered at 90% of metabolizable energy requirements for maintenance and conceptus growth.
The effects of offering a concentrate or grass silage based diet to twin-bearing ewes in late pregnancy on ewe and lamb performance
Authors: Boland T.M. , Hayes L. , Murphy J.J. , Callan J.J. , Crosby T.F.
Published: June 2019

Approximately 75% of ewes are housed in Ireland for some portion of the winter, normally the late gestation period. This coincides with a large increase in dietary requirements, with 80% of lamb birth weight laid down in the final two months of gestation (Robinson, 1990) and also udder development during this period. Traditionally, these nutritional requirements were met by feeding grass silage ad libitum and supplementing with concentrates on a stepped rate with advancing pregnancy. With the introduction of the decoupled single farm payment and an ever-decreasing labour supply, sheep producers are looking for financially attractive, low labour alternatives and a concentrate based diet may be one such alternative. The objectives of this experiment were to compare an all concentrate diet supplemented with different fibre sources with the standard silage based diet supplemented with concentrates on feed intake, ewe performance and lamb growth to weaning.