bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Restricting silage fermentation by applying high levels of mixed aliphatic carboxylic acids to grass and their effect on energy value and nitrogen balance in sheep
Authors: Givens D I , Moss Angela R , Jackson D A
Published: June 2019

A number of workers have demonstrated the ability of high rates of methonoic add applied to grass at ensiling to restrict subsequent fermentation and preserve the grass sugars (Carplntero et al, 1979; Henderson et al, 1989). Other recorded effects have included an increased proportion of protein nitrogen (N) in the silage total N (Carplntero et al, 1979) and increased dry matter (DM) intake of silage by cattle and sheep (Henderson et al, 1989). There appears to be less information on the effect of high levels of methanolc acid on digestion and nitrogen utilisation of silage and in particular when applied in a mixture with other carboxylic adds.

A first cut perennial ryegrass based herbage was cut between 18 and 21 May 1988. The herbage was wilted for a maximum of 6h and was ensiled in bunker silos (capacity 50t DM) having been treated with either no additive or 5.95 1 t-1 of a mixture of aliphatic carboxylic acids. The mixture produced by BP Chemicals Ltd contained (gkg-1) 870 methanolc acid (85%), 100 propanoic add and 30 octanoic acid. Digestibility, energy value and utilisation of silage N was examined in mature wether sheep.
The developing market for farm-bred meat rabbits in britain
Authors: Jones Nick
Published: June 2019

Rabbit meat is acknowledged as having a high protein and low fat content. With current dietary advice persuading consumers to reduce their intake of fat. rabbit meat is enjoying a return to consumer popularity in Britain. Most of the major supermarket chains stock fresh-chilled rabbit portions in their largest (if not all) branches, and, over a 12-month period, they have been ordering more than can be supplied.

The typical rabbit producer starts without a background in agriculture, and this is seen as a major cause of failure, leading to supply shortages. However, the industry is changing, and a more determined, commercial, approach is emerging.

Rabbits have a rapid production cycle, and a small producer, with only 30 breeding does, could have up to 370 head of stock at any time. Livestock skill is essential, but interest is continued development of appropriate systems and techniques for commercial production in Britain is lacking.
Fibre production in angora rabbits
Authors: McKay J. C.
Published: June 2019

Angora rabbits carry a mutation.which confers continuous wool growth. The use of the wool in textiles was first recorded in 1706 in the U.K. and western Europe dominated world production until the the early 20th century. China now produces 60 percent of the world's 4,000 tonne annual crop.

Genetic and nutritional improvements have led to a five-fold increase in annual yields over the last 40 years. Current commercial strains produce up to 1.5 Kg of wool per year from rabbits weighing 4 Kg. To maintain such yields requires concentrate diets with protein contents of at least 16 percent and cystine+methionine contents of 0.8 percent.

The wool may be sheared or plucked and consists of three fibre types. The wool hairs (80 percent of the fleece) are among the finest animal fibres at 8-12 microns. They have a hollow medulla which gives important properties of low density (1.23 grams per ml versus 1.3 for sheep wool) and high thermal insulation (2-3 times that of sheep wool).
Production and composition of milk from suckled feral, dairy and crossbred coats
Authors: Russel A.J.F. , Adkins J.E.
Published: June 2019

The developing UK cashmere goat industry utilises a variety of goat breeds and crosses as base stock in breed improvement programmes. Native feral goats contribute small but significant quantities of very high quality fibre and the attribute of hardiness. Stock from overseas are imported to increase the weight of cashmere produced. Some dairy goats are used for their higher prolificacy and because their superior ability to rear kids is important in the production of goat meat which is a secondary but nonetheless important source of income in cashmere production enterprises.

Early growth rates of feral kids have been shown to be low in relation to those of dairy breed and crossbred kids when reared by their natural mothers (Russel, Lippert, Ryder and Grant, 1986) but it is not known whether this is a result of a low potential growth rate or a limitation in the production or composition of their dams’ milk.

Little is known of the milk production characteristics of feral goats or even of dairy goats kept under suckling as opposed to milking regimes. This paper describes the milk production characteristics of suckled feral, dairy and feral x dairy goats and the effects of these characteristics on early kid growth rate.
Carcass and meat quality in “iron age” pigs
Authors: Wood J.D. , Nute G.R.
Published: June 2019

There is anecdotal evidence that the meat of wild pigs is particularly tasty and their carcasses are lean. However it may be that the nature of the wild existence - high energy demands, low energy diet, unusual ingredients eg acorns and plant roots - is important in conferring these qualities. This Study was done to determine whether semi-wild pigs - the so called “Iron Age” breed - are different from typical modern white pigs (Large Whites) when both are reared on ‘modern’ commercial diets. Tests on carcass composition and meat quality were therefore made.

“Iron Age” pigs (IAP) were formed at the Cotswold Farm Park by crossing the European Wild Pig with the Tamworth. Three litters were obtained from 2 sires and 1 female and the progeny reared from about 20 kg on a pelleted diet (13.0 MJDE/kg) fed ad libitum. Slaughter was at approximately 60 kg live weight for the 18 IAP and 6 Large White (LW) pigs (balanced for sex) used in the tasting tests and between 10 and 240 kg for the dissected animals (250 LW, 19 IAP) - these data were then corrected to 65 kg live weight. The LW pigs were from several litters reared on the Institute farm.
Influence of the correlation between growth rate and backfat on selection response in pigs
Authors: Bampton P. R. , Webb A. J.
Published: June 2019

Backfat levels in pigs have declined rapidly in the last decade and are approaching an economic optimum. As optimal levels of backfat are achieved this has two important implications for selection objectives. First, the relative emphasis of selection will shift to other traits, particularly lean growth rate. Second, there will also be a move towards ad libitum feeding on performance test to allow expression of appetite and to increase response to selection for lean growth rate. The effect of very lean pigs coupled with ad libitum feeding may result in changes in the genetic and phenotypic relationship between growth rate and fat depths. Reported genetic and phenotypic correlations between growth rate and backfat range from +0.3 on ad libitum feeding to -0.3 on restricted feeding. In most performance testing regimes the key relationship is between growth rate and ultrasonic fat depths which in contrast to other economic traits are often unfavourably correlated.
Associations between carcass lean and predictors of lean in the pig
Authors: Walters J.R. , Simpson S.P.
Published: June 2019

For the pig breeder there are many important selection objectives - optimum progress can be made if sires and dams are selected for different objectives. In dam lines some emphasis on maternal traits is practicable while maintaining slightly higher fat levels than in sire lines. Meanwhile lean growth and low fatness can be emphasised in the terminal sire lines. This gives the flexibility to fulfil different end markets and weights. Selection accuracy in such programmes is often improved by the addition of detailed carcass information from slaughtered sibs or other relatives of selection candidates.

For the commercial producer, classification schemes differentiate payments on the basis of backfat and in some cases, lean measurements. However, despite the fact that future payments are likely to place greater emphasis on leanness, there is no differentiaton for breed or genotype.

The purpose of this investigation was to follow up a previous study (Walters and Simpson, 1988) to determine whether lean prediction in the carcass depends on slaughter weight and genotype, to identify the best predictors of leanness and to estimate multiple correlation coefficients for predicting lean in carcass from lean in sample joints.
Effect of dietary linoleic acid on the fatty acid composition of pig muscle
Authors: Enser M , Whittington F M , Wood J D , Cole D J , Wiseman J
Published: June 2019

The fatty acid composition of meat has important effects on its succulence and flavour. The neutral lipids of muscle, are mainly energy stores resembling adipose tissue and affect the succulence of meat. However, the phospholipids, which are structural components of muscle, are important in the development of the species specific cooked meat flavour and odour. We have investigated the effects of feeding diets differing mainly in their linoleic acid content on the fatty acid composition of the lipids of M. Longissimus dorsi (LD) of pigs.
The use of normalised nir difference spectra to monitor the time course of rumen digestion of untreated and ammonia treated straws in sheep
Authors: Givens D I , Baker C W , Zamime B
Published: June 2019

Ammoniation is one method whereby the nutritional value of cereal straws may be increased, It is important if the use of ammonia is to be optimised under a wide range of conditions that the underlying mechanisms of its effect on straw digestion are understood.

Near infra-red reflectance spectroscopy (NIR) is now widely used to predict many nutritional characteristics of forages. However, this predictive approach requires the availability of large calibration sample sets with the parameter to be predicted already determined by traditional means. The technique of mathematically subtracting spectra one from another (difference spectra) to assess changes in straws during digestion and after ammoniation has been reported by Barton et al (1986) and Barnes (1988) respectively. This approach whilst requiring no pre-calibration has so far lacked good definition and has only been used qualitatively.

The purpose of the present work was to assess the ability of new mathematical treatments of the NIR spectra before subtraction to increase definition and yield quantitative data on any observed changes.
Effect of protein supplementation on the performance of intensively-fed weaned suckled bulls
Authors: Jacklin D , Rigby I
Published: June 2019

Two trials were carried out to examine the effects of crude protein level in rations for intensively-finished suckled bulls. In 1987/88 (Year 1) high levels were tested as a possible means of delaying finishing and in 1988/89 (Year 2) low levels were tested.

In both years 54 Charolais x (Hereford x Friesian) bulls born in May-June were weaned in November, following paddock-grazing of cows and calves on permanent grassland. Following weaning, the bulls were housed in straw-bedded yards and offered wilted grass silage, with concentrate feed gradually increased. After 14 days the silage was removed and concentrates offered ad libitum. The bulls were allocated to 1 of 3 treatments with 2 replicates per treatment to provide 6 groups of 9 bulls. The experimental diets consisted of rolled barley with a pelleted protein concentrate and extra mineral supplement when appropriate, as described in Table 1. This resulted in diets with a range of protein but similar major mineral contents.
Effect of calcium oxide, sodium hydroxide and alkaline hydrogen peroxide treatments on the nutrient digestion of wheat straw (norman) by sheep
Authors: Chaudhry A. S. , Miller E. L.
Published: June 2019

Previous studies (Chaudhry and Miller,1990) have shown the effectiveness of CaO, NaOH and alkaline hydrogen peroxide (AHP) in improving the in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD) of wheat straw (WS). Based on those results, therefore, an experiment was planned to test the effectiveness of some of the selected treatments in improving ruminal and total tract digestibilities by sheep of WS (Norman), treated on a large scale. Rumen conditions were also characterised to see if there was any relationship between digestion and the rumen conditions.
Evaluation of a dairy cow feeding system involving the feeding of a high fibre compound diet in place of grass silage as a roughage source
Authors: Brigstocke T D A , Blake J S , Thickett W S , Harker A B
Published: June 2019

Over recent years extremes of weather at traditional silage making time have made the manufacture of high quality forage difficult. Consequently a trial was run at the BOCM SILCOCK Development Unit, Barhill, evaluating a compound diet as a complete silage replacement. The analysis of the silage replacer nut (SRN) was 35g oil (OAH)/kg DM, 115g crude protein (CP)/kg DM, 279g crude fibre (CF)/kg DM and an ME of 9 MJ/kg DM. The diet contained 50% VITON-NIS (sodium hydroxide treated straw).
The effect of inclusion rate of a 2:1 mixture of extruded whole rapeseed and peas in barley and wheat diets for pigs from 17 to 30 kg liveweight
Authors: O'Dowd S M , Fowler V R , English P R , Gill B P , MacPherson O , Roden J A , Davidson F M , Kenyon P W
Published: June 2019

Since whole rapeseed is a high energy feed source but only moderate in protein content and value it is desirable to combine it with another feedstuff such as peas so that the combined product has an improved balance of amino acids and a more favourable protein to energy ratio. Extrusion is a useful method of processing a rape:pea mixture since this results in effective release of oil from the rape and its absorption by the pea. The heat generated by extrusion could also lead to the destruction of heat labile anti-nutritive factors in both rapeseed and peas.
Assessment of free fatty acid content on dietary energy values of soya bean oil fed to broilers
Authors: Salvador F. , Wiseman J.
Published: June 2019

It is probable that the degree of saturation of fat may modify the response to increasing Free Fatty Acid (FFA) content and of apparent metabolisable energy (AME). The objective of the current study was to investigate the effect of FFA content on the AME value of soya bean oil.

Soya bean oil (A) and soya bean acid oil (E) with FFA content of 14.4 and 683.4 g/kg fat respectively and of similar fatty acid composition, were obtained for evaluation (Table 1). Fats A and E were then mixed in proportions 75A:25E, 50A:50E and 25A:75E to give three blends of calculated FFA content of 181.7 (B), 348.9 (C) and 516.2 (D) g/kg fat respectively. All fats were included into a basal diet (Table 2) at 40, 80 and 120 g/kg and were evaluated with broiler chicks aged 1.5 weeks and 7.5 weeks of age. Apparent metabolisable energy (AME) values of fats was achieved by regression of apparent fat availability (AFA) on rate of inclusion of fat with extrapolation (linear functions). AME was determined as a product of AFA and fat gross energy.
Feeding sorghum stover to Ethiopian sheep: effect of stover variety and amount offered on growth, intake and selection
Authors: Aboud A A O , Reed J D , Owen E , McAllan A
Published: June 2019

Wahed and Owen (1986) showed that intake of barley straw by goats increased when the amount of straw offered was increased from 18 to 54 and 90 g dry matter (DM) per kg mass (M) daily. The three offer rates were associated with refusal rates (% of offer) of 14, 57 and 70 % respectively. Subsequent work at Reading by Allmon et al (1989) indicated that goats were selecting more straw-leaf when offer rates were Increased.

The present study, undertaken in Ethiopia, investigated whether similar responses would occur with sheep offered increasing quantities of sorghum stover (straw) and whether the responses would vary according to variety of sorghum. Dry-land farmers In Ethiopia and other African countries are being encouraged to plant new varieties of sorghum which are more bird-resistant than the traditional varieties. Unfortunately bird-resistant varieties have been shown to contain polyphenolic compounds which may have adverse effects on intake and digestion of stover. Two contrasting varieties of stover were therefore compared in the present study.
The potential for improving sire selection in dairy cattle by molecular genetic analysis of bovine casein genes
Authors: Pinder S.J. , Perry B.N. , Savva D. , Skidmore C.J.
Published: June 2019

Population studies have shown useful correlations between alleles at the casein loci and important production parameters such as compositional characteristics of milk, cheese yield and lactation yield. Molecular genetic analysis of genotype at the casein loci could therefore enhance sire selection in dairy herds. We are Investigating polymorphisms in K-casein, where the B-variant gives improved cheesemaMng and in β-casein, where the A3 allele is associated with improved lactation yields. We have previously reported a restriction fragment length polymorphism in the K-casein gene, enabling us to identify the alleles at this locus [Perry, B.N., Savva, D., Radley, E., Skldmore, C.J. & Lovell, R.D. (1989) Anim. Prod. 48, 661]. Our current work makes use of the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to increase dramatically the speed of di agnosis.
Effects of growing pig diets containing 0, 150, 300 or 450 g molassed sugar beet feed/kg on carcass and meat eating quality
Authors: Longland A.C. , Wood J.D. , Enser M. , Carruthers J.C. , Keal H.D.
Published: June 2019

Recent studies have shown that growing pigs can perform as well on diets containing up to 300 g/kg molassed sugar beet feed (SBF), (SBF substituted for cereals) as control pigs fed a conventional cereal-based diet (Bulman et al., 1989). SBF contains high levels of non-starch polysaccharides (NSP) but little or no starch. SBF NSP, unlike that of cereals, is almost totally fermented by growing pigs, the fermentation products being used to sustain growth to a similar extent as products obtained from the breakdown of cereals, when fed at levels up to 300 g/kg. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of feeding growing pigs diets containing increasing levels of NSP i.e. 0, 150, 300 or 450 g SBF/kg, on subsequent carcass and meat eating quality. The effects on meat flavour were of particular interest since reports have suggested that high levels of fermentation may result in high concentrations of skatole and tissues which would result in taint.
Growth promoters: reassessing the risk
Authors: Peters A.R.
Published: June 2019

Legislation to control veterinary medicinal products is undergoing continual development in the EEC and UK and therefore the risks are continually reassessed. In the present paper current and future legislation together with consumer concerns both real and imaginary are reviewed.

Since the EEC ban on hormonal growth promoter implants in 1986 the remaining legal products are all feed additives. Registration of feed additives in the EEC is controlled under Directive 70/524 and its various amending directives. this directive is concerned with all products added to feed and mainly includes substances used to affect the quality of the feedstuff i.e., emulsifiers, stabilisers, antioxidants, colorants and binding agents and also vitamins and micronutrients. The majority of growth promoters exert their affects by antimicrobial activity and these and certain prophylactic medicinal products such as coccidiostats are also included. All products with a therapeutic action are controlled under the Veterinary Medicine Directives 81/851 and 81/852, quite separate legislation and under the responsibility of a different department within the EEC Coimdssion. However, there is provision under Directive 84/587 amending 70/524 to transfer the medicinal feed additives to 81/851 and 81/852.
The effect of weaning, moving and mixing on the growth and behaviour of piglets after weaning
Authors: Musgrave K. , Varley M.A. , Hughes P.E. , Ferlazzo J. , Pearce G.P.
Published: June 2019

In the immediate days after weaning piglets reared under modern intensive conditions are subjected to a variety of stressors which are often, because of the management systems used, Imposed concurrently. The largest stress may stem from the weaning process itself and the sudden removal of the comfort and nurture provided by the sow. It is also possible that the stress of relocation to new accommodation is a principal stressor and piglets must adapt quickly to different environmental conditions to avoid problems of depressed growth or post-weaning enteric disease. The stress of mixing piglets after weaning into new social groups may be one of the most significant influences of all. Intense agonistic interactions occur for at least 48 hrs after mixing as a new dominancy hierarchy is established. The purpose of the present work therefore was to examine at 2 centres, individual and combined effects of weaning, moving and mixing on the performance and behavioural characteristics of weaned piglets.
Evaluation of a simple adaptation to a farrowing pen designed to increase the comfort level of piglets in the narrow creep in the first 48 hours of life
Authors: Menaya Carmen M , English P R , Edwards S A , MacPherson O , Roden J A , Robertson A M , Vidal J M
Published: June 2019

In commercial farrowing pens, creep areas for the piglets are often provided only at the front or on one side of the pen. Because of the strong bonding which newborn piglets have to the udder, such arrangements are often inadequate to attract piglets into the creep area where danger from hypothermia increase the suitability for the newborn piglet of farrowing pens with a typical commercial side creep design.

The experiment was carried out in a commercial farrowing house with partially slatted, unbedded pens. These pens were of typical commercial ‘side creep’ design with a wide creep area on one side of the crate, and a narrow unheated area on the other. The wide creep area contained a tray with a bedding of shavings and was heated by a heat lamp. Experimental pens were adapted by placing diagonally the pen division separating the narrow creeps in two adjacent pens. This created a wider area at the front of one pen and at the rear of the adjacent pen (Fig 1). These areas were provided with a bedding of shavings and a heat lamp for the first 48 hours of life.
Effect of feeding small amounts of ammonia treated straw on degradation rate and intake of untreated straw in sheep
Authors: Manyuchi B. , Ørskov E.R. , Kay R.N.
Published: June 2019

Supplements of readly digestible cellulose and hemicellulose enhance fibre degradation by promoting the growth of eellulolytic microbes in the rumen. In the current study supplements of ammonia treated straw were fed to a basal diet of untreated straw and intake, fibre digestion and rumen fermentation assessed.

Four mature castrated male sheep weighing 50.5 to 69.6kg and fitted with permanent rumen cannulae were used. The experiment had a 4 x 4 latin square design such that the sheep were fed four diets and measurements taken oyer four periods. Each period consisted of 10 days adaptation and measurements taken for a further 8 days.

The diets comprised untreated straw (control) ammonia treated straw (AS) or untreated straw together with 200g AS or 400g AS (200AS and 400AS respectively). Straw was treated with 3.5% ammonia (w/w). Untreated straw was supplemented with 1% urea (w/w). In addition both straws were supplemented with minerals and vitamins. Straw was chopped (4cm screen) prior to feeding. For diets 200AS and 400AS the treated and untreated stsaws were given in seperate troughs.
Influence of ionophores on in vitro fermentation by rumen fluid from sheep receiving yeast culture (Yeasacc; YC)
Authors: Newbold C.J. , Wallace R.J. , Nevison I.M.
Published: June 2019

A wide range of compounds has been described which have the potential to improve animal production by manipulating the rumen fermentation. Prominent among these rumen modifiers are the ionophores. Ionophores, such as monensin and tetronasin, improve feed efficiency, partly by increasing the flow of amino-N from the rumen and partly by stimulating the production of propionate in the rumen with an associated reduction in the production of methane (Russell and Strobel, 1988). Recently there has been increasing interest in the use of yeast culture (YC) and other fungal preparation to modify the rumen fermentation. These products have been shown to increase bacterial numbers within the rumen with an associated increase in the breakdown of fibre and supply of microbial protein (Williams and Newbold, 1990). YC has also been reported to increase the production of propionate in the rumen. Little appears to be known about the effect a combination YC and an ionophore would have on the rumen fermentation. This study describes the effects of the ionophores monensin and tetronasin on the fermentation of hay by rumen fluid from sheep fed a basal diet with or without YC.
Effect of molassed sugar beet feed either ensiled or fed separately with big bale grass silage on silage quality and performance of male castrate sheep
Authors: Rouzbehan Y , Galbraith H , Topps J H , Weddell J R , Fenlon D R , Perrott J G
Published: June 2019

There is an increasing interest in the production of grass silage in big bales. As with the making of silage in clamps, there is scope for considerable loss of effluent which results in a reduction in nutritive value of silage in addition to possible effects on environmental pollution.

Molassed sugar beet feed (MSBF) has been used as an absorbent in the production of clamp silage. Additional benefits may accrue from an improved silage fermentation as a consequence of the presence of readily fermentable carbohydrate in molasses contained in MSBF. In turn, an improvement in fermentation may lead to better intake and utilization of the silage by ruminant animals.

This project was carried out to assess the effect of inclusion of MSBF, at two different levels, with grass at ensiling on the nutritive value of big-bale silage and on animal performance. The results on animal performance were compared with those obtained from offering a similar amount of MSBF pellets as a supplement to silage given alone.
Effect of date of cutting and methods of preparation of grass silage for dairy heifers
Authors: Sutton J D , Ogundola F I , Daley S R , Beever D E , McAllan A B
Published: June 2019

Postponing the cutting date increases the yield of grass silage but at the expense of reduced quality. A means of improving the quality of later-cut silage would clearly be of major benefit. One possible approach is to improve the digestibility of later-cut silage by treatment with enzymes. The purpose of the present experiment was to examine the effectiveness of a cocktail of enzymes based on cellulases and hemicellulases (FinnFeeds Ltd, Redhill, Surrey).
Effect of plane of nutrition and slaughter weight on carcase characteristics of friesian steers slaughtered at 500, 550 or 600 kg liveweight
Authors: McCracken K J , Moore C A , Unsworth E F , Gordon F J , Steen R W J , Kilpatrick D J
Published: June 2019

The Agricultural Research Council Working Party (ARC, 1980) summarised the predicted energy requirements for cattle growing at different rates of gain. These predictions suggest that feed conversion efficiency will improve with increased energy intake. McCracken and Unsworth (1989) developed an empirical model for growth and carcase composition based on ARC (1980) and concluded that the model over-predicted body fat and did not accord with the effects of plane of nutrition on feed efficiency and body composition observed by Andersen, Ingvartsen and Klastrup (1984). Two problem areas were identified (a) the efficiency of utilisation of energy for growth, (b) the relationship between plane of nutrition and energy content of gain. The study described below was undertaken to provide definitive information on the effects of slaughter weight and plane of nutrition on the body composition and energy retention of Friesian steers as being representative of a medium breed type within the ARC (1980) classification.
Comparison of date palm leaves with barley straw for friesian and holstein cows given a high concentrate diet in kuwait
Authors: Bahman A M , Topps J H
Published: June 2019

In Kuwait there is a high demand for forage and roughage to meet the livestock needs for the production of milk and meat. Kuwait dairymen are obliged to feed their animals a diet with high concentrate and low roughage content for economic reasons, i.e. the unit cost of roughage is greater than that of concentrates due to a government policy of subsidising imported concentrates, but not roughages. There is a need to find a locally produced source of roughage to encourage higher levels of inclusion and to reduce feed costs.

This experiment was designed to compare the effects of feeding locally produced date palm leaves rather than imported barley straw to Friesian and Holstein cows given a high concentrate diet.
Effect of environmental temperature on dietary selection in lactating sows
Authors: Vidal J M , Edwards S A , MacPherson O , English P R , Taylor A G
Published: June 2019

The choice-feeding method has been suggested as an effective way of estimating nutritional requirements and it may be helpful from a practical point of view for meeting the nutrient requirements of animals with great variability in nutrient intake and requirements, for example sows in lactation. Friend (1971) reported high variability in protein intake in lactating sows on choice feeding. Growing rats (Leshner et al.,1971) respond to temperature changes by modifying the proportion of protein selected in order to maintain their protein intake. The main objective of this experiment was to investigate the ability of sows offered diets of different nutrient content to select the combination that best fits their requirement, particularly in relation to problems of reduced food intake routinely encountered in high summer temperatures.
The effects of feeding diets containing molassed sugar beet feed during pregnancy and lactation on sow performance
Authors: Kay R.M. , Simmins P.H. , Harland J.I.
Published: June 2019

There has been an increasing interest in recent years in the feeding of bulky, high fibre diets to sows for both economic and animal welfare reasons. The potential of the pregnant sow to utilise sugar beet pulp, a highly digestible, high fibre by-product has previously been investigated (Close et al 1990, Edwards et al 1990). However, in both these investigations, the feeding of the high fibre diet was restricted to the pregnant sow and conventional diets were fed throughout lactation. The main objective of this trial was to assess the effect of substituting cereal and cereal by-products with molassed sugar beet feed (SBF) throughout pregnancy and lactation, on the condition and performance of both gilts and adult sows.
Exponential smoothing parameters when batch sizes are unequal
Authors: Simpson SP , Cook GL , Walters JR
Published: June 2019

Performance testing at central test stations and on farm testing are primarily used to select superior breeding stock. Since there may be environmental differences between batches, contemporary comparisons are often used in which each pig's performance is compared with its group's mean.When batch sizes are small, the accuracy of selection can be improved by using an exponentially smoothed average for the contemporary mean of the form where xt is the exponentially smoothed average, the mean of the present batch and po the smoothing parameter.

When batch sizes are variable, too much emphasis is placed on the current mean when the batch is smaller than average, and conversely for batches larger than average, there is too little emphasis on the current mean. Two alternative smoothing parameters are proposed which take into account variation in batch sizes. The accuracy with which pigs of superior genetic merit could be identified using the conventional and the alternative smoothing parameters was investigated by simulating batches of pigs and calculating the proportion of pigs correctly identified as being of superior genetic merit.
Integration of grazing and whole-crop wheat for calves in spring
Authors: Castejon M. , Leaver J.D.
Published: June 2019

Feeding urea treated whole crop wheat (WCW) to calves in the spring as an alternative to grazing has the potential advantage of releasing grassland for silage or for cropping. The higher yield/ha of whole crop wheat compared with grass makes this feasible.

The objective of this experiment was to examine the intake and performance of calves in the spring, on conventional grazing, on whole crop wheat and on a combination of the two.
Relationship between dietary protein, mohair fibre and carcass characteristics and fatty acid composition of angora goats
Authors: Galbraith H , Baloyi J J , Scaife J R
Published: June 2019

There is a developing interest in the use of fibre-producing goats in the United Kingdom. Information on nutritional requirements under UK conditions and for different genotypes of goats is limited. The aim of this study was to investigate further the role of dietary protein in determining the yield and quality of (a) mohair Fibre and (b) meat with emphasis on fat composition in Angora goats.

Ten Texan cross male castrate Angora goats aged about 10 months and weighing 21.6 kg initially were used. They were individually penned and allocated to good quality diets containing (per kg dry matter (DM)) approximately 10 MJ metabolisable energy and either 110 (LP) or 178 (HP) g crude protein. The diets were restricted to intakes of 37 g/kg liveweight (LW) and the study lasted for 70 days. The goats were weighed weekly and food intake was recorded daily. Blood samples were collected pre-feeding by jugular venepuncture at approximately 0900 hrs on day 0, 35 and 70 and at 07.30,09.00,10.30,12.00 and 13.00 hrs on day 63.
Amount of concentrates and protein source for dairy goats on hay-based diets
Authors: Sutton J D , Cook J E , Ogundola F I
Published: June 2019

The efficient use of forages for milk production by dairy goats requires reliable estimates of the responses in intake and milk production to concentrate supplementation. Based on the results of experiments with dairy cows, two factors of particular importance are likely to be amount of concentrates and quality of the protein.
Effect of body condition on ovarian sensitivity to exogenous FSH in ewes in which endogenous gonadotrophin secretion is suppressed
Authors: McMillen S.R. , Rhind S.M. , McNeilly A.S.
Published: June 2019

The results of previous experiments indicate that the effect of body condition (BC) on ovulation rate is mediated through changes in the number of large, potentially ovulatory, ovarian follicles. However, these differences in follicle populations were not associated with consistent differences in gonadotrophin profiles. It was therefore postulated that effects of level of BC on follicle development and ovulation rate are due to differential ovarian sensitivity of FSH.

Two groups of 20 Scottish Blackface ewes were fed differentially so that they achieved mean (±s.e.m.) body condition scores of 1.78±0.017 (Low; L) and 2.94±0.031 (High; H) by 2 weeks before sample collection. They were then fed to maintain these body conditions throughout the remainder of the experiment. Four weeks before study, Alzet minipumps (Charles Rivers UK Ltd.) containing GnRH agonist (buserilin; Hoechst AG; Frankfurt, F.R.G.) were inserted, subcutaneously, in all ewes. This treatment partially suppresses FSH secretion and totally inhibits LH pulses so that growth of ovarian follicles >2.5 mm in diameter is inhibited.
Response of Growing Hereford x Friesian Heifers to Immunisation Against Somatostatin
Authors: Flint J , Galbraith H , Jones A S
Published: June 2019

Somatostatin has been implicated in the control of a number of hormonal systems, through its inhibitory effects on the release of somatotrophin, insulin, thyroid stimulating hormone and glucagon. It is therefore central to the control of metabolism and growth. There have been a number of trials based on neutralisation of the hormone by active immunisation against it, which have produced variable results. Trials in commercial breeds of sheep and cattle have generally resulted in increased growth rates, often associated with increased feed efficiency. The majority of these trials have been carried out on the males of the species; information on the female response is therefore limited. Work by Spencer et al (1985) on somatostatin immunisation in mixed groups of lambs did not result in significant increased in growth rate. However when the data was re-examined splitting the groups by sex, treated female lambs grew significantly better than their female control counterparts while there was no treatment response with male lambs. Recent work by Breier et a] (1988) has suggested that oestradiol 17-B, widely used as a growth promoter in ruminants, may affect the binding capacity of hepatic somatotrophic receptors thereby enhancing IGF-1 production and ultimately growth rate. This trial examines the effect of immunisation against somatostatin in pubertal heifers.
The biological basis of animals’ responses to man
Authors: Hemsworth P. H.
Published: June 2019

With the exception of the immediate family, many humans interact more with domesticated animals than they do with other humans. These interactions are often frequent and intense and consequently complex and strong social relationships can be formed between humans and domesticated animals. Results of recent research on the interactions between humans and farm animals indicate some surprising and substantial consequences for the animals and the objective of this paper is to review some of this recent research, particularly that concerned with the biological basis of the response of farm animals to humans. The results of recent research by my colleagues and I, particularly on commercial pigs, will be utilized heavily in this paper.

In intensive animal production the animal frequently has to respond to the presence of humans and to handling by humans. One of the main motivations of the animal which will determine the animal's response to humans is fear. Although there is debate concerning the concept and measurement of fear, we have adopted a functional approach in studying the behavioural responses of farm animals to humans.
Interactions between animals and machines
Authors: Wathes C. M.
Published: June 2019

A new age of mechanisation of animal agriculture is dawning following advances in robotic engineering, coupled with current knowledge of animal physiology, behaviour and disease. The advent of automated machines equipped with novel sensors and controlled by cheap microprocessors will eliminate many of the hazardous, tedious or unpleasant chores currently undertaken by farmers. Automatic attachment of teat cups to dairy cows, robotic sheep shearing and mechanical harvesting of broilers are now feasible and commercial exploitation is likely within a decade. Machines may tackle some tasks which are too difficult, dangerous or costly for man, who may be better employed elsewhere. Paradoxically, replacement of man by robotics designed according to animal needs may improve not only production efficiency but also welfare. Utilisation of robotics in animal agriculture requires research in sensing techniques, data interpretation, design of end effectors, machine control, and animal perception and response. Animal applications provide a particularly intriguing challenge to robotics engineers because animals are (relatively) fragile, and mobile. The dynamic interaction of animals with machines presents novel opportunities for animals to control their own environment as well as difficulties in machine design. Potential applications of robotics in animal husbandry are legion and include many husbandry tasks involving inspection, monitoring, handling, manipulation, treatment and caretaking.
Effects of feeding low levels of high protein concentrates differing in protein source on milk production of dairy cows
Authors: Fitzgerald S. , Murphy J.
Published: June 2019

Studies reported by Mayne (1990) and Slater (1989) have shown that the yield of milk achieved by feeding a low level of a high protein concentrate with a good quality silage fed to appetite was comparable to that obtained by feeding higher levels of a conventional concentrate containing a normal level of protein (160-180g CP/kg). These results would indicate that there is considerable scope to reduce concentrate feeding levels and reduce feed costs when good quality grass silage is available. However, in previous studies at this centre (Murphy, 1987) very low levels (2.4 kg/d) of high protein concentrates (400-450 g CP/kg) fed with a good quality grass silage reduced milk production compared with a moderate level (6 kg/d) of a normal protein concentrate (160-180 g CP/kg).

The present study was carried out to clarify the position and to establish the benefit of including a source of undegradable protein, e.g. maize distillers grains or fishmcal in place of soyabcanmeal in the prolein concentrate.
Evaluation of crestar for synchronising oestrus in maiden heifers used as embryo transfer recipients
Authors: Tregaskes L D , Broadbent P J , Dolman D F , Grimmer S P
Published: June 2019

Progesterone or progestogens can be administered either intravaginally or via ear implants. The ear implant Synchromate B (SMB) has been used widely in the USA and Europe. SMB (Ceva laboratories) utilises a 6mg norgestomet ear implant with an intramuscular injection of 5mg oestradiol valerate and 3mg norgestomet. Crestar (Intervet, UK) is a similar regime but the ear implant contains 3mg norgestomet. The objective of this experiment was to evaluate the effectiveness of Crestar as a synchronising agent for potential recipients in an embryo transfer programme.

A total of 334 Hereford x British Friesian maiden heifers, housed in straw bedded pens were allocated at random to be synchronised using either a PRID (Sanofi) plus prostaglandin; or a Crestar (Intervet, UK) regime. Equal numbers of heifers received each treatment.
The effect of slaughter handling system on pig welfare and meat quality
Authors: Weeding C.M , Hunter E.J. , Guise H.J. , Penny R.H.C.
Published: June 2019

Pigs from 4 farms were slaughtered at 2 abattoirs, each with 2 slaughter handling systems. Pigs at abattoir 1 were electrically stunned, either in a floor pen holding 5 pigs or a race restrainer. A straight race 1m wide led to the floor pen. A stepped collection pen and single file race led to the race restrainer. At abattoir 2 a single file curved race led to a floor pen with electrical stunning and a circular collection pen led to a double race and dip-lift C02 stunner. Each replicate involved 2 farms sending 50 pigs to each abattoir. There were 16 replicates (3200 pigs). Stun system had a significant effect on the development of early rigor, muscle pH, muscle colour and skin blemish (GLM Analysis of Variance). At abattoir 1, pigs slaughtered through the race restrainer had a greater tendency to develop early rigor and more skin blemish. Pigs slaughtered through the race restrainer also had lower pH in the m. longissimus dorsi at both initial and ultimate readings post mortem. In general, pH readings were higher than would be expected in the pig m. longissimus dorsi. Muscle reflectance was higher in the m. longissimus dorsi of pigs slaughtered through the race restrainer at both initial and ultimate readings. Significant differences between means at abattoir 1 (two-sample t-tests) are contained in Table 1. At abattoir 2, the floor pen produced carcases with a greater tendency to develop early rigor and more skin blemish. There were no significant differences in muscle pH or colour. Significant differences between means at abattoir 2 (two-sample t-tests) are contained in Table 2.
Effects of temperature and feeding level on growth and feed efficiency of farmed rainbow trout
Authors: McCavana K. , McCracken K.J.
Published: June 2019

Feeding level is a major factor in maximising feed efficiency and reducing effluent pollution in fish farming. In previous studies on stocking density, feeding levels used in normal commercial practice were employed. The results tended to suggest that these levels were too high for maximum feed efficiency. Consequently a series of trials was undertaken at different times of year to study the effect of feeding level, at a range of water temperatures, on growth and feed efficiency.

Three 21 d trials were conducted in early winter, spring and late summer, to avail of different water temperatures and dissolved oxygen concentrations. Four different feeding levels (22, 19, 16 and 13 g/kg bodyweight) were used in each trial. Trials one and two had three replicates of the four levels and trial three had two replicates. Identical adjacent ponds (18 m3) were used in each trial and were randomised for feeding level. Initial weights were 30, 50 and 20 g in trials one, two and three respectively.
The use of fibre length measurements and patch sample weights as predictors of yield and down weight in a population of cashmere goats
Authors: Roger L C , Waterhouse A , Scanlan S
Published: June 2019

The coat of the cashmere goat is made up of two components: a valuable down (cashmere) and the outer guard hair. Industrial processing is required in order to separate them. Yield is defined as the weight of down as a fraction of total fleece weight. An accurate assessment of yield or down weight is essential in order to determine the relative merit of an animal.

Yield is expensive to determine objectively in the laboratory, and a yield figure is also required if down weight is to be calculated directly from fleece weight. Several Australasian studies have shown good correlations between calculated down weight and down length measured on the animal, and a relationship between yield and cashmere and guard hair lengths has also been demonstrated (Winter at al, 1985). However there is no published information on these relationships derived from Australasian or Siberian cross ferals bred in the UK.

The weight of a sample patch of fibre shorn from a measured area on the animal’s midside has been used as a predictor of fleece weight, either to predict the full fleece weight later in the season or when, for practical reasons, fleece weight cannot be obtained (Russel and Bishop, 1990). This experiment investigated these relationships in a group of cashmere goats.
The influence of carbohydrate source and concentration of crude protein in a concentrate given with grass silage ad libitum on the performance of autumn-calving Holstein-Friesian cows
Authors: K.Aston  , C.Thomas  , R.D.Baker  , P.M.Hughes  , S.R.Daley
Published: June 2019

Carbohydrates in dairy concentrate originate from cereals containing high starch and a variety of by-products with high levels of fibre. Selection is based on unit cost and chemical analysis. Comparisons between starchy and fibrous sources were made at a single level of crude protein (CP) by Thomas et al (1986) and Sutton et al (1987). Voluntary intake of forage increased and yields of fat and protein were similar when fibre replaced starch. The objective of this trial was to extend the range of comparisons by establishing the effects of three types of carbohydrate at four levels of crude protein given with grass silage ad libitum to lactating dairy cows.