bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison of Canadian Holstein × British Friesian and British Friesian steers for beef production. 1. On-farm performance
Authors: Rowlinson P. , Baber P. L. , Willis M. B. , Chalmers A. J.
Published: September 2010

A comparison was undertaken of 92 Canadian Holstein × British Friesian (HF) and 93 British Friesian (F), autumn born, male calves on three typical United Kingdom production systems. These were: intensive barley beef system (BB); a grass/cereal 18-month system (18m); and 24-month forage system (24m). Calves were brought in from a variety of farms. HF calves were heavier on arrival (43·1 v. 40.7 kg ***). The calves were the progeny of 27 Canadian Holstein and 43 British Friesian sires, and all out of British Friesian dams. They were castrated and reared conventionally to 100 kg before being allocated to treatment. Slaughter was undertaken when subjective handling suggested that the carcass would classify as fat-class 2 on the Meat and Livestock Commission classification scheme (equivalent to European Economic Community fat-class 3), provided that a minimum live weight (BB, 380 kg; 18m/24m, 420 kg) was achieved. There were no differences between breeds in daily live-weight gain on any system. Other results, HF first, follow. At slaughter, HF were both older (BB, 362 v. 342 days **; 18m, 591 v. 558 days ***; 24m, 716 v. 673 days ***) and heavier (BB, 413 v. 395 kg ***; 18m, 486 v. 469 kg NS; 24m, 531 v. 496 kg ***). Efficiency of food conversion, measured on the BB system only, was not significantly different (5·83 v. 5·84).
The intensive rearing of lambs 2. Voluntary food intake and performance on diets of varying oat husk and beef tallow content
Authors: Owen J. B. , Davies D. A. R. , Miller E. L. , Ridgman W. J.
Published: September 2010

1. Two experiments concerned with the voluntary intake of food by artificially reared lambs are described and the results discussed.

2. When the diets were pelleted the addition of finely ground oat husks to form as much as 40% of the diet had practically no effect on live weight gain since the lambs controlled their consumption to achieve the same energy intake on the various diets. When the diets were given as a meal, the addition of 20% oat husks caused food intake to increase, digestible dry-matter intake to remain the same and growth rate to be somewhat poorer; but the addition of 40% oat husks caused no further increase in intake so that digestible drymatter intake fell markedly and growth rate was much reduced. It is argued that the relationship between food intake and digestibility is dependent on the physical form of the diet.

3. Addition of beef tallow to the meal diets had very little effect on the lambs' performance.

4. Lambs which had received a restricted quantity of milk replacer from birth to 11·4 kg live weight had a slower growth rate and poorer food conversion efficiency during the subsequent feeding period (13·6–34·1 kg) than lambs which had received milk ad libitum. This effect was greater with meal diets containing 40% oat husks than with more concentrated diets.

5. On a pelleted diet containing 85% barley a conversion ratio of 3·21 was achieved over the whole fattening period, indicating the commercial feasibility of intensive lamb production on cereal diets.
A note on the influence of age at time of diethylstilbestrol implantation on the weight gain of young lambs
Authors: Jordan R. M. , Hanke H. E.
Published: September 2010

Diethylstilbestrol (DES) implants have consistently increased the weight gains and feed efficiency of 5 to 7 month old fattening lambs. The effects of DES on young sucking lambs is less well delineated. Twelve mg DES implants used by Perry, Andrews and Beeson (1951) and Clegg, Albaugh, Lucas and Weir (1955) and 3 mg DES implants used by Lewis, Hines and Mansfield (1966) resulted in significant increases in weight gains of 6-to 14-week-old lambs. Conversely Jordan and Dinusson (1950), Jordan (1953) and England (1959) using 3 mg implants reported no significant increase in weight gains of 2- to 4-month-old grazing sucking Iambs. Wilkinson, Carter and Copenhaver (1955) implanted 6 to 8 week old grazing, sucking lambs with 10 mg of oestradiol and 250 mg progesterone. No increase in weight gains resulted and 5 of 28 lambs treated were lost from prolapse of the rectum.
Endocrine response to superovulatory treatment in pre-pubertal beef heifers: its lack of ability to induce puberty
Authors: Bonavera J. J. , Tortonese D. J. , Doray J. M. , Petraglia F.
Published: September 2010

This study was carried out to investigate: (1) changes in plasma oestradiol-17β and progesterone concentrations in six pre-pubertal beef heifers, 9 months old, subjected to a superovulatory treatment, consisting of a single dose of PMSG followed 120 h later by a single injection of human chorionic gonadotrophin (HCG); and (2) the ability of this treatment to trigger cyclic gonadal activity. After PMSG administration, oestradiol-17β levels increased from 11·8 (s.d. 10·78) to 92·9 (s.d. 38·15) ng/1 just before HCG injection. The oestradiol-17β increase during the superovulatory treatment and numbe r of ovulations were correlated (r = 0·83; P < 0·05). After HCG injection, progesterone concentrations rose significantly reaching values which in some cases were higher than 60 [μg/1. The progesterone peak on days 9 and 10 post HCG was strongly correlated with the number of corpora lutea (r = 0·95; P < 0·01 and r = 0·92; P < 0·01, respectively). Progesterone determinations were performed for a period of 90 days after HCG administration. No evidence was found for the induction of permanent cyclic ovarian activity since all heifers returned, after the induced luteal phase, to their pre-pubertal condition.
An evaluation of prediction equations incorporated in a computer program to ration beef cattle
Authors: Neal H. D. St C. , Gill M. , France J. , Spedding A. , Marsden S.
Published: September 2010

Equations for the prediction of forage dry-matter intake, metabolizable energy (ME), rumen degradable protein and undegraded protein, based on those in the current Agricultural Research Council system, were incorporated into a computer program designed to be used by livestock advisors for on-farm rationing of beef cattle. The predictions of silage intake and live-weight gain are compared with experimental data.

Voluntary intake of grass silage was generally over-estimated by the program by proportionately at least 0·06, with a root mean square error of ±0·18 of the mean observed silage intake for the all-silage rations. The prediction of ME requirement for observed production had an error of +0·15 of average ME intake but the calculations of ME intake were themselves dependent on the predictions of the ME concentrations of the silages and supplements. Similarly the comparison of protein supply with requirement was highly dependent on the value assigned to N-degradability. However, the program can be used to assess how changes in the input values would affect ration formulation.

The mathematical basis of the program is described in the Appendix.
A calcium-activated nucleotidase secreted fromOstertagia ostertagi4th-stage larvae is a member of the novel salivary apyrases present in blood-feeding arthropods
Authors: ZARLENGA D. S. , NISBET A. J. , GASBARRE L. C. , GARRETT W. M.
Published: September 2010

Apyrases (ATP-diphosphohydrolase) comprise a ubiquitous class of glycosylated nucleotidases that hydrolyse extracellular ATP and ADP to orthophosphate and AMP. One class of newly-described, Ca2+-dependent, salivary apyrases known to counteract blood-clotting, has been identified in haematophagous arthropods. Herein, we have identified a gene (Oos-apy-1) encoding a protein that structurally conforms to the Ca2+-activated apyrase from the bed bug,Cimex lectularius, by immunologically screening anOstertagiaL4 cDNA expression library. The expressed protein (rOos-APY-1) was biochemically functional in the presence of Ca2+only, with greatest activity on ATP, ADP, UTP and UDP. Host antibodies to the fusion protein appeared as early as 14 days post-infection (p.i.) and increased through 30 days p.i. Immunohistochemical and Western blot analyses demonstrated that the native Oos-APY-1 protein is present in the glandular bulb of the oesophagus and is confined to the L4. A putative signal sequence at the N-terminus and near 100% identity with aTeladorsagia circumcinctaL4 secreted protein is consistent with the native protein being secreted at the cellular level. Predicated upon substrate specificity, the native protein may be used by the parasite to control the levels of host extracellular nucleotides released by locally-damaged tissues in an effort to modulate immune intervention and inflammation.
Face emotion recognition is related to individual differences in psychosis-proneness
Authors: Germine L. T. , Hooker C. I.
Published: September 2010

Background

Deficits in face emotion recognition (FER) in schizophrenia are well documented, and have been proposed as a potential intermediate phenotype for schizophrenia liability. However, research on the relationship between psychosis vulnerability and FER has mixed findings and methodological limitations. Moreover, no study has yet characterized the relationship between FER ability and level of psychosis-proneness. If FER ability varies continuously with psychosis-proneness, this suggests a relationship between FER and polygenic risk factors.

Method

We tested two large internet samples to see whether psychometric psychosis-proneness, as measured by the Schizotypal Personality Questionnaire-Brief (SPQ-B), is related to differences in face emotion identification and discrimination or other face processing abilities.

Results

Experiment 1 (n=2332) showed that psychosis-proneness predicts face emotion identification ability but not face gender identification ability. Experiment 2 (n=1514) demonstrated that psychosis-proneness also predicts performance on face emotion but not face identity discrimination. The tasks in Experiment 2 used identical stimuli and task parameters, differing only in emotion/identity judgment. Notably, the relationships demonstrated in Experiments 1 and 2 persisted even when individuals with the highest psychosis-proneness levels (the putative high-risk group) were excluded from analysis.

Conclusions

Our data suggest that FER ability is related to individual differences in psychosis-like characteristics in the normal population, and that these differences cannot be accounted for by differences in face processing and/or visual perception. Our results suggest that FER may provide a useful candidate intermediate phenotype.
Period doubling in area-preserving maps: an associated one-dimensional problem
Authors: GAIDASHEV DENIS , KOCH HANS
Published: September 2010

It has been observed that the famous Feigenbaum–Coullet–Tresser period-doubling universality has a counterpart for area-preserving maps of ℝ2. A renormalization approach has been used in a computer-assisted proof of existence of an area-preserving map with orbits of all binary periods in Eckmannet al[Existence of a fixed point of the doubling transformation for area-preserving maps of the plane.Phys. Rev. A 26(1) (1982), 720–722; A computer-assisted proof of universality for area-preserving maps.Mem. Amer. Math. Soc. 47(1984), 1–121]. As is the case with all non-trivial universality problems in non-dissipative systems in dimensions more than one, no analytic proof of this period-doubling universality exists to date. We argue that the period-doubling renormalization fixed point for area-preserving maps is almost one dimensional, in the sense that it is close to the following Hénon-like (after a coordinate change) map:where ϕ solvesWe then give a ‘proof’ of existence of solutions of small analytic perturbations of this one-dimensional problem, and describe some of the properties of this solution. The ‘proof’ consists of an analytic argument for factorized inverse branches of ϕ together with verification of several inequalities and inclusions of subsets of ℂ numerically. Finally, we suggest an analytic approach to the full period-doubling problem for area-preserving maps based on its proximity to the one-dimensional case. In this respect, the paper is an exploration of possible analytic machinery for a non-trivial renormalization problem in a conservative two-dimensional system.
New routes to power: towards a typology of power mediation
Authors: HEEMSBERGEN LUKE , SINIVER ASAF
Published: September 2010

This article is concerned with a particular debate in mediation literature, revolving around the merit and necessity of power as a strategy employed by third parties in their efforts to negotiate a successful resolution to conflict. We argue that by subscribing to a one-dimensional spectrum of pure-to-power mediation, students of mediation have neglected the development of how power is conceptualised and operates within the changing dynamics of conflict and its mediation.

We therefore seek to redefine the concept of power mediation to project a closer fit between conflicting parties' understanding of their situation and the methods, aims and motivations of their mediators. Breaking away from the existing pure-power spectrum, we propose a heuristic framework that includes four distinct types of power mediation, defined here asreal,made, criticalandstructuralpower. The contribution of our heuristic model is threefold. First, it assists us in asking the most basic question of social science research, ‘of what is this a case’, which in turn ought to lead to a more sophisticated observation of mediation instances. Concurrently, through the frame of ‘power’, it establishes common understanding of observable phenomena that makes the study of mediation more accessible to the wider audience beyond students of our modest literature. Finally, the synthesis of epistemological and ontological inquiry of conflict and power with the established International Relations (IR) approaches of realism(s), constructivism, critical discourse and structuralism, allows respective real, made, critical and structural types of mediation power to be tested.
Modernity, boredom, and war: a suggestive essay
Authors: KUSTERMANS JORG , RINGMAR ERIK
Published: September 2010

The quest for perpetual peace is a modern phenomenon, associated with a progressive view of history which emerged only in the Enlightenment. In addition, boredom – a feeling ofennuiassociated with a loss of the ability to act – is a fundamental mood of the modern age. Modern societies are thus, simultaneously, becoming more peaceful and their inhabitants are becoming more bored. As a means of overcoming our boredom, we are increasingly fascinated by violence, and war is glorified as a means of restoring our ability to act. Empirical illustrations of this thesis are drawn from World War I and from the Bush administration's ‘global War on Terror’.
Variability in feeding behaviour of group-housed sows using electronic feeders
Authors: Eddison J. C. , Roberts N. E.
Published: September 2010

The feeding patterns of sows using electronic feeders were monitored automatically (via a computer interface) over a period of 15 months. This paper reports on the variability in the size of the first meal of the day in relation to total daily food intake. The results demonstrated a pattern that bears some similarity to that observed by other workers, namely that sows tend to take all their daily food allocation in a single meal. In general, sows (79%) ate most of their daily allowance in a single visit to the feeders. However, on a significant minority of occasions (21%) this was not the case. The results also showed that there was a considerable number of sows (87% of the herd) that fed in a variable pattern, i.e. considerable variation in the proportion of their daily allowance taken in a single visit. This unpredictability was found throughout the sow herd. Some, but not all of this variability could be attributed to differences between parities (P < 0·001) and also there was some evidence that some sows, when newly introduced into the herd, were more variable in behaviour than more established sows. However, a large amount of variation remains unexplained. The need to provide flexible sow management to accommodate individual behaviour is discussed. Additionally, appropriate sampling periods of considerable duration are shown to be important in describing feeding patterns of group-housed sows.
The genetic evaluation of beef sires used for crossing with dairy cows in the UK 1. Sire breed and non-genetic effects on calving survey traits
Authors: McGuirk B. J. , Going I. , Gilmour A. R.
Published: September 2010

An analysis has been carried out of over 88000 calving survey records for bulls of eight beef breeds tested in commercial dairy herds in England and Wales. The data were collected from 1981 to 1993. The traits analysed were the degree of difficulty at calving, assessed from no difficulty to serious difficulty, calf mortality to 48 h, gestation length, and subjective assessments of calf size and conformation.

Major sire breeds in the survey were the Hereford (30070 records, 93 sires), Charolais (25816 records, 105 sires) and the Limousin (15420 records, 55 sires). Other sire breeds were Belgian Blue (5391 records, 24 sires), Simmental (3864 records, 19 sires), Aberdeen Angus (2886 records, 12 sires), Piedmontese (2423 records, 7 sires) and the Blonde d'Aquitaine (2271 records, 8 sires).

Information was routinely recorded on cow age (heifer or mature), sex of the calf, and the year and month of the calving, while cow size and the regional location of the herd were also recorded in later years.

Heifers had more difficult calvings, higher calf losses and shorter gestations than mature cows (all P < 0·05) Seriously difficult calvings and calf mortality were higher for male calves, which were also larger and had better conformation than heifer calves (P < 0·05).

Sire breed effects were significant for all traits, although sire breed ranking for calving ease was different for cow and heifer calvings and some interactions involving sire breed were also significant. For cow calvings, the easiest calving breeds were the Hereford (1·1%) and the Aberdeen Angus (1·4%), while the Charolais (4·3%), Blonde d'Aquitaine (3·7%) and Simmental (3·1%) had most difficult calvings.

Gestation length differed between sire breeds, from Aberdeen Angus (281·0 days) and Hereford (282·7 days) up to the Limousin (288·1 days) and the Blonde d'Aquitaine (289·0 days). For calf size and conformation, the Simmental, Charolais and Blonde d'Aquitaine were the best.

In general, summer months were associated with lower incidences of difficult calvings, lower losses and shorter gestations.

Large cows had calves which were larger and of better conformation than small or medium cows, but large cows also had longer gestations, more difficult calvings and poorer calf survival (all P < 0·05).

Statistical models are discussed that should be used for the genetic evaluation of calving survey traits, when beef bulls are to be used in dairy herds in the United Kingdom.
Developing breeding objectives for beef cattle production 1. A bio-economic simulation model
Authors: Hirooka H. , Groen A. F. , Hillers J.
Published: September 2010

A deterministic simulation model was constructed to develop breeding objectives and estimate biological and economic values. The model simulates life-cycle production of a breeding cow and growth performance of her offspring. Input variables are divided into four categories: animal traits, nutritional variables, management variables and economic variables. The economic variables assume typical beef cattle production in Japan. The outputs from the model include cow-calf performance, feedlot performance and biological and economic efficiency. The model's ability to simulate herd composition, food intake of cow and calves, cow body-weight changes, empty body and carcass composition of feedlot animals and production efficiencies is illustrated.
The economic value of somatic cell count payment schemes for UK dairy cattle breeding programmes
Authors: Veerkamp R. F. , Stott A. W. , Hill W. G. , Brotherstone S.
Published: September 2010

Predicted transmitting abilities for somatic cell counts (SCC) are available in the United Kingdom and there is a direct economic benefit attached to reducing SCC as the milk payment schemes include a penalty for high SCC levels in bulk tank samples and sometimes a premium for low SCC. The aim of the present study was to establish the economic importance of bulls' breeding values for SCC in relation to this payment scheme for SCC. To do this, an empirical method was developed using 645071 individual cow SCC and milk yield test-day records from 358 herds. The economic value was calculated by (i) decreasing all individual cow records by 0·01 and comparing the average penalty with the current average penalty, and (ii) taking the derivative of a Gompertz function describing the within-herd penalty per cow as a function of the average within-herd 3-month rolling geometric mean SCC. Mean milk test-day yield and average test-day SCC were 20·4 kg and 262 kcount per ml respectively with, on average, 83 cows tested each day. In the current situation the average penalty paid was 0·54, 0·18 and 3·2 pence per litre depending on whether an England and Wales, Scottish or future payment scheme was used, respectively. Across the population, the economic values per 0·01 decrease in SCC were £1·04, £0·54 and £6·03 per cow per year for these three payments schemes respectively. However these economic values depend strongly on the mean SCC. Herds have different means and as the future population mean is difficult to predict, it is suggested that for herds with the majority of their bulk tank samples in penalty bands 1, 2 or 3+ (average SCC of <150, 150 to 250 and 250+) the economic values are £0, £0·50, and £15 per cow per year per 0·01 reduction in SCC, respectively, until additional benefits have been quantified.
The influence of dietary energy and protein levels on performance, carcass and meat quality of Belgian White-blue double-muscled finishing bulls
Authors: Fiems L. O. , de Campeneere S. , Bogaerts D. F. , Cottyn B. G. , Boucqué Ch. V.
Published: September 2010

The effect of three protein (77, 97 and 117 g DVE (true protein digested in the small intestine) per kg dry matter (DM)) and two energy levels (7·38 and 8·03 MJ NEF (net energy for fattening) per kg DM) on the performance of Belgian White-blue double-muscled finishing bulls and on the quality of their carcasses and meat was investigated. The diet, offered ad libitum, consisted of 650 g/kg concentrates and 350 g/kg maize silage on DM basis.

No significant influence was found of the energy level on the growth rate. The low protein level reduced live-weight gain, from 370 to 501 kg (1·43 kg on average v. 2·60 and 1·66 kg daily; P < 0·02). The growth rate during the entire period (370 to 692 kg) and the live weight at slaughter were significantly influenced by the protein content.

The bulls given the high energy level lost less weight during the 20-h fasting period before slaughter. Their carcasses were classified with a higher fatness score and a better conformation. These carcasses had a higher fat content, while the proportion of bone in the carcass was lower than in the low energy groups. The cold carcass weight of the low protein groups (456 kg on average) was significantly smaller than that of the four other groups (470 kg on average). Although no differences between the six groups were found concerning the dressing proportion, this measurement was significantly influenced by the protein level (685 g/kg for low protein v. 692 for high protein). The SEUROP conformation was positively influenced by the protein and the energy level, while the fatness score was influenced only by the energy level (5·5 v. 6·0 for the low and the high energy level, respectively). Although the differences in conformation, fatness score and dressing proportion are significant, because of the small variation, the practical meaning is less important.
Comparison of sample preparation methods for the determination of the rumen degradation characteristics of fresh and ensiled forages by the nylon bag technique
Authors: López S. , Hovell F. D. DeB. , Manyuchi B. , Smart R. I.
Published: September 2010

A study urns conducted to determine the best method of preparation of silage and freshly cut forage samples for the estimation of rumen degradability by the nylon bag technique. Three types of forage were evaluated: a grass silage, a fresh grass (ryegrass) and a fresh legume (white clover). For each forage, six preparation methods were compared: chopping fresh (FRS); chopping and macerating fresh (FMC); chopping, freezing, thawing and macerating (FRZ); freeze-drying (FD); low-temperature oven-drying (45°C, 72 h) (OVD); high-temperature oven-drying (160°C, 90 min) (DHD). Dried samples were hammer-milled (2·5-mm screen). Chemical composition and rumen degradability were affected by the method of preparation. Protein fractions were sensitive to drying method, and oven-drying reduced nitrogen (N) solubility and degradability as the severity of the heating was increased. OVD and DHD gave lower estimates of N and dry matter (DM) solubility and degradability than FD. The effect of drying method on DM degradability was to reduce solubility and effective degradability, calculated for an outflow rate of 0·033 per h, but not potential degradability.

Silage DM degradability was less affected than that of fresh forages. Freshly prepared samples (FRS, FMC, FRZ) gave lower estimates of N and DM solubility and degradability than FD, the differences being least with silage and FRZ, which was the most effective at rupturing plant structures of the FRS, FMC and FRZ methods. Of the six preparation methods, freeze-drying was the most effective preparation method. FRZ and OVD were less effective, but similar to each other. The small particles (calculated) produced by grinding dried samples may result in an overestimation of zero time losses and hence the degradability of the sample. These undesirable effects might be minimized by coarser grinding (4-mm screen) and correction for particulate matter loss.
The influence of genetic index for milk production on the response to complete diet feeding and the utilization of energy and nitrogen
Authors: Gordon F. J. , Patterson D. C. , Yan T. , Porter M. G. , Mayne C. S. , Unsworth E. F.
Published: September 2010

Thirty-six Holstein/Friesian cows were used in a 3 × 2 factorial design randomized-block experiment to evaluate the production and nutrient utilization responses of animals of three genetic indices (cow genetic index 90 (CGI); 950, 650 and 550), each given either a complete diet (CD) or concentrate separate from grass silage through out-ofparlour feeders (OPF). The experiment included days 11 to 160 of lactation. On the CD treatment the diet was offered ad libitum with a concentrate proportion of 0.64 (dry matter (DM) basis), while on the OPF treatment the grass silage urns offered ad libitum and the allowance of concentrate was made equal to the mean concentrate intake of the CD treatment during the previous week. The concentrate was based on barley, maize gluten, molassed sugar-beet pulp, citrus pulp, soya-bean meal, fish meal and protected fat. During the experiment eight blocks each of six animals were used in metabolism studies to determine total ration digestibility, nitrogen balance and energy utilization.

No significant feeding method × genetic index interactions were found in terms of food intake, milk production or nutrient utilization. Although CGI had no significant effect on total DM intake, silage DM intake increased linearly as the cow CGI increased (P < 0.01) across the CD and OPF treatments. The high CGI cows produced respectively 6.60 and 8.25 kg/day more milk fP < 0.001) than the medium and low CGI animals without altering milk concentrations of fat and protein, but with on average a negative live-weight change with the high CGI cows. Although nitrogen digestibility was significantly higher with the low than medium CGI cows (P < 0.05), cow CGI had no significant effects on DM and energy digestibilities, daily methane energy output, heat production or the efficiency of utilization of metabolizable energy for lactation fk,) in the metabolism study. The results indicated that higher milk production with the high CGI cows was mainly attributed to an alteration in nutrient partitioning between milk energy and body energy retention.

Across the three genetic indices, feeding method had no significant effect on total DM intake, although silage DM intake was 0.46 kg/day higher (P < 0-05) on the OPF treatment. However feeding the complete diet resulted in 3.04 kg/day more milk CP < 0.05) than feeding concentrate separate from silage without altering milk concentrations of fat and protein. In the nutrient metabolism study whole tract digestibilities of DM (F < 0.001), nitrogen (P < 0.05) and energy (P < 0.01) were higher on the OPF treatment, but methane energy output and heat production were similar between the two treatments.
The degradability by sheep of fruits of Acacias and leaves of Sesbania sesban and the effects of supplementation with mixtures of browses and oilseed cake on the utilization of teff (Eragrostis tef) straw
Authors: Nsahlai I. V. , Osuji P. O. , Umunna N. N.
Published: September 2010

This study was aimed at evaluating (1) the dry matter (DM) and nitrogen (N) degradabilities (by sheep) of Sesbania sesban leaves, Acacia albida (Faidhabia albida), A. siberiana and A. tortiris frazfs and (2) the effect of feeding a mixture of oilseed cake and tanniferous browses on the degradability of teff (Eragrostis tef) straw and oilseed cake and on particulate and liquid passage rates. Thirteen rumen cannulated sheep in a randomized complete-block design experiment were given teff straw ad libitum supplemented (DM per day) with 155 g oilseed cake (50: 50 mixture of noug (Guizotia abyssinica) and groundnut cake; oilseed cake diet) or with 92 g oilseed cake plus either 118 g S. sesban (sesbania diet) or 179 g A. albida fruits (albida diet). Diets were formulated to supply 10·5 g supplementary N per day.

Sesbania had the highest DM washing loss, potential degradability and fastest DM degradation rate compared with the acacias. The N washing loss (g/kg) was highest for A. siberiana (500) followed by A. albida (431), A. tortilis (431) and sesbania (241). The potential N degradability (g/kg) was greater (P < 0·05) for sesbania (978) than for A. albida (848), A. tortilis (865) or A. siberiana (785). The degradation rates of oilseed cake-N and teff straw-DM, particulate and liquid passage rates, basal intake and DM digestibilities were similar among diets, but organic matter intake was highest for the albida diet. At the present levels of offer, supplementation with mixtures of oilseed cake and browses does not significantly reduce rumen degradation rates of oilseed cake-N or teff straw DM.
Effect of dietary repletion on reproductive activity in cows after a long anoestrous period
Authors: Zerbini E. , Wold A. G. , Gemeda T.
Published: September 2010

This study examined whether a prolonged anoestrus had any long-term effect on subsequent fertility of cows and estimated the relationship between repletion and resumption of reproductive activity. Twelve low body-condition, non-milking, non-cycling (depletion state) F1 crossbred dairy cows (Friesian × Boron and Simmental × Boran) were stratified to two diets (H: natural grass hay offered ad libitum and mineral lick +3 kg concentrate, and H + P: H + 7 h/day natural pasture grazing) according to parity, body weight, body condition score and calving intervals. Daily dry-matter intake was similar between cows on the two diets, but total intake of nitrogen was proportionately about 0·10 greater for cows with access to pasture. The calculated metabolizable energy intake was more than twice the estimated maintenance requirement for cows on both diets. Live weights increased from depletion to ovulation, to oestrus and to conception, but were not significantly different between cows on both diets. Body condition score increased from depletion time to first oestrus and to repletion and was greater for H + P than for H cows at first oestrus and at conception. After an average of 45 days of repletion, cows were already ovulating with no significant differences between cows on either diet. Days to onset of oestrus were 83 and 44 days for diet H and H + P, respectively. Time to conception was similar between coivs on both diets. Conception occurred when cows on H and H + P diets had recovered proportionately 0·51 and 0·58 of their live-weight and 0·84 and 1·27 of their body condition loss, respectively. Interval to repletion weight was 178 and 139 days for cows on the H and H + P diet, respectively. Cows subjected to an exceptionally long depletion period were able to resume ovarian cyclic activity and to conceive in less than 3 months when given twice maintenance requirements. These results have important management implication for on-farm situations in the tropics where fluctuations of food availability and quality occur.
Method and effects of incorporating foreign information into United Kingdom production evaluations
Authors: Mrode R. A. , Swanson G. J. T. , Winters M. S.
Published: September 2010

Countries, which import a significant amount of semen, embryos and animals, are faced with the problem of how properly to evaluate the animals in the national evaluation system when information on the foreign parents is generally missing. Additional problems arise when the foreign parents obtain an evaluation, usually on the basis of progeny, in the country of import with the result that there are two published evaluations for the animals in question. This paper presents a post-iterative method of incorporating foreign information into home country evaluations. The foreign information is initially converted to the same scale and base as in the home country using procedures recommended by the International Bull Evaluation Service. The method consists essentially of calculating a combined evaluation for animals with home and foreign information as a weighted average of yield deviations, parent averages and progeny contributions from the foreign and home countries. The combined evaluations are used to adjust the evaluations of progeny on the basis of formulae derived from the usual mixed model equations. The same principles were used to combine reliabilities from the respective home and foreign reliabilities. The results from the application of the method to the United Kingdom (UK) Holstein Friesian population are presented. There was re-ranking of both bulls and cows, especially foreign bulls with few UK daughters.
The patho-physiology ofTrypanosoma congolensein Scottish Blackface sheep: influence of diet on digestive function
Authors: Wassink G. J. , Fishwick G. , Parkins J. J. , Gill M. , Romney D. L. , Richard D. , Holmes P. H.
Published: September 2010

The influence of types of roughage, barley straw (diet B) versus lucerne hay (diet L), on the patho-physiology of a T. congolense infection was compared in eight pairs of Scottish Blackface male twin lambs. One animal of each twin pair was infected and the other used as a pair-fed control. Voluntary food intake, body weight, digestive function, various blood haematological and biochemical measurements were made.

Voluntary organic matter intake decreased significantly after the T. congolense infection, the decrease being greater in the diet L group than in the diet B group lambs (P < 0·01). The apparent digestibility coefficients of crude protein and organic matter were significantly lower in the infected lambs (P < 0·01). Mean retention time of the roughage through the digestive tract in the animals given barley straw was significantly longer (P < 0·05) due to a lower rumen outflow rate constant (P < 0·01). Infection resulted in longer mean retention times (P < 0·01).

Packed cell volume (PCV) was significantly lower before infection in the animals given diet B (P < 0·01). After infection, diet (P < 0·01) and infection (P < 0·01) had an additive effect on PCV. The anaemia was both macrocytic (P < 0·05) and hypochromic (P < 0·01).

Diet B resulted in higher plasma cholesterol (P < 0·05), but lower plasma urea (P < 0·01) and albumin (P < 0·01) concentrations before infection than diet L. The T. congolense infection significantly lowered plasma cholesterol (P < 0·01) and increased plasma urea (P < 0·01) concentrations compared with the uninfected controls. Plasma albumin concentrations decreased, but were more affected by nutrition (P < 0·01) than by infection (P < 0·05).

It ivas concluded that the patho-physiological effects of the T. congolense infection in the Scottish Blackface lambs were affected by the type of roughage offered, but that these effects were additive rather than interactive to the effects of infection.
An evaluation of the Gompertz model in degradability studies of forage chemical components
Authors: Lavrenčič A. , Stefanon B. , Susmel P.
Published: September 2010

The in situ dry matter (DM) and neutral-detergent fibre (NDF) degradability kinetics of eight forages (four grass hays and four legume hays, harvested at two different dates) were compared to assess the fitting ability of a first-order and a Gompertz model.

The Gompertz model fitted DM degradability data as well as the first-order model and differences between fitted and observed data for the two models were very small but the Gompertz model proved to be statistically superior for the NDF degradability data, especially for the early hours of incubation.

A numerical but not significant difference was observed in the estimated rapidly available fraction for DM and NDF, which zvas respectively lower (mean values 24·4 v. 27·8%) and higher (mean values 5·8 v. 1·8%) with the first-order model. More pronounced differences were observed for the estimates of total potential degradability of NDF, which were often significantly lower with the Gompertz model (average values for the eight forages 75·1 v. 72·3%;.

The sigmoidal shape of the Gompertz model was more biologically appropriate to describe the initial phases of NDF degradation and was thus applied to the cellulose and hemicellulose degradability data.

As the harvesting date progressed through the season, a decrease of the immediately available fraction of DM and nitrogen was generally observed but the effect of harvesting date was not so evident for fibre fractions; the differences within forages were very low. Correlation coefficients between lignin content and total potential degradability of fibre were always high (for NDF, r = −0·96; for hemicellulose r = −0·95; for cellulose r = −0·79; P < 0·001), while the acid-detergent fibre content influenced DM and nitrogen total potential degradability (r = −0·91 and −0·82, respectively).
Results of multivariate individual animal model genetic evaluations of british pedigree beef cattle
Authors: Crumps R. E. , Simm G. , Nicholson D. , Findlay R. H. , Bryan J. G. E. , Thompson R.
Published: September 2010

This paper reports the procedures put into place in the UK for the genetic evaluation of pedigree beef cattle and estimation of genetic trends using a comprehensive model to allow critical analysis of progress made under previous data recording schemes. Live weights of Simmental, Limousin, Charolais, South Devon and Aberdeen Angus beef cattle, recorded by the Meat and Livestock Commission (MLC) from 1970 to 1992 were analysed, as part of a project to introduce best linear unbiased predictions (BLUP) of breeding value in the British beef industry. Birth weights were available from MLC or the relevant breed society, (4000 to 84000 records, depending on the breed) and 200- and 400-day weights were estimated by within-animal linear regression on all available weights (resulting in 8000 to 48000 records per breed). Animals were retrospectively assigned to contemporary groups within herds, separately for each trait, taking account of observed calving patterns. Records were adjusted to correct for heterogeneity of variance between herds. BLUP evaluations were then performed within breed, fitting a multivariate individual animal model. In addition to additive direct genetic effects, additive maternal genetic and dam permanent environmental effects were included for birth weight and 200-day weight. Unknown parents were assigned to genetic groups, based on estimated date of birth. The model included fixed effects for contemporary group, sex, month of birth, birth type (single or multiple), embryo transfer births, fostered calves, breed of dam, proportion purebred and age of dam. Genetic trends were estimated by regressing estimated breeding values for animals on their year of birth. Trends in birth weight, 200-day weight and 400-day weight between 1970 and 1992 were approximately 0·09, 0·73 and 1·38 kg per annum respectively for the Charolais breed; 0·08, 0·76 and 1·33 kg per annum for the Simmental; 0·06, 0·53 and 0·89 kg per annum for the Limousin; 0·12, 1·02 and 1·86 kg per annum for the Aberdeen Angus; and 0·03, 0·38 and 0·82 kg per annum for the South Devon breed.
The effect of Trypanosoma vivax infection on energy and nitrogen metabolism and serum metabolites and hormones in West African Dwarf goats on different food intake levels
Authors: van Dam J. T. P. , van der Heide D. , van der Hel W. , van den Ingh T. S. G. A. M. , Verstegen M. W. A. , Wensing T. , Zwart D.
Published: September 2010

Effects of Trypanosoma vivax infection on nitrogen and energy metabolism and serum hormones and metabolites were measured using 24 castrated West African Dwarf bucks. In order to discriminate between the effect of infection and the effect of food intake level on energy and nitrogen balance, food quantity restriction was applied for isonutritional comparison; a number of the animals were not infected and served as controls. Daily dry-matter (DM) intake was measured, and energy and nitrogen balance for a 7-day period in weeks 2, 4 and 6 after infection. Weekly blood sampling for analysis of hormones and metabolites was carried out.

Infected animals had a lower DM intake, compared with control animals, viz. 38·6 (s.e. 3·2) and 16·1 (s.e. 2·0) g/kg M0·75 per day, respectively (P < 0·001). Intake of gross energy and nitrogen followed the same pattern.

Metabolizability was not changed by infection and averaged 0·44. Heat production was increased by infection with an average of 33 kJ/kg M0·75 per day. Energy and nitrogen retention were negative for all groups; infection reduced energy retention and, during week 2 and 4 after infection, also nitrogen retention. The required metabolizable energy (ME) intake for maintenance was increased in infected animals (406 and 335 kJ/kg M0·75 per day for infected and control goats respectively), based on linear regression of energy retention on ME intake. The efficiency with which energy mobilization from body stores was substituted by dietary ME was estimated at 0·809 for both infected and control animals. The relationship between nitrogen retention and energy retention was not changed by infection. Therefore no indications were found for an increased catabolism of protein due to infection. Serum thyroxine and triiodothyronine were reduced by infection; serum metabolites and insulin levels reflected the negative energy balance in infected animals.
»Die grüne Fee« Absinth – historische und biochemische Fakten
Authors: Hein Jakob , Juckel Georg , Kienast Thorsten , Heinz Andreas
Published: September 2010

Fragestellung: Absinth, ein alkoholisches Getränk mit Kräuterauszügen, ist eines der erfolgreichsten Produkte des 19. Jahrhunderts. In ca. 100 Jahren wurde damit eine Umsatzsteigerung um das 106fache erzielt. Nur ein gesetzliches Verbot konnte diesen Erfolg beenden. Methodik: Anlässlich der EU-weiten Wiederzulassung von Absinth wird der aktuelle Forschungsstand zu diesem Getränk analysiert. Ergebnisse: Lediglich zum Thujon, dem Inhaltsstoff, durch den sich Absinth von anderen alkoholischen Getränken unterscheidet, liegen einige moderne Erkenntnisse vor. Dadurch ergeben sich Anhaltspunkte für eine Wirkung des Thujons an GABA-ergen und serotonergen Neurorezeptoren. Schlussfolgerungen: Es ist völlig unklar, welche Wirkung das Stoffgemisch von Thujon und Ethanol auf der Rezeptorenebene hat. Die Historie des Absinths legt jedoch das Vorhandensein eines hohen Suchtpotenzials nahe. Daher sind weiterführende Untersuchungen vonnöten.
Kokainhydrochlorid und Crack: ein Vergleich zwischen Kokainkonsumgruppen ohne intravenösen Kokainkonsum und ohne Opioidkonsum
Authors: Prinzleve Michael , Haasen Christian
Published: September 2010

Ziel: Vergleich des Substanzkonsums, der Abhängigkeitssymptomatik und gesundheitlicher Probleme zwischen Kokainkonsumgruppen ohne gleichzeitigen intravenösen Kokainkonsum und ohne Opioidkonsum.  Methodik: Analyse einer Teilstichprobe von 652 Kokainkonsumenten aus neun europäischen Großstädten, rekrutiert im Rahmen des EU-Projekts »Support Needs for Cocaine and Crack Users Europe (CocainEU)«. Zur Datenerhebung dienten das Maudsley Addiction Profile MAP und die Severity Dependence Scale SDS.  Ergebnisse: Die Kokainhydrochloridkonsumenten (87 %) konsumieren Kokain weniger intensiv, zeigen eine geringere Abhängigkeitssymptomatik und geringer ausgeprägte psychische Symptome als die beiden Gruppen mit Crackkonsum. Ausschließliche Crackkonsumenten (6 %) weisen das geringste Ausmaß multiplem Konsum auf. Bei den Konsumenten beider Darreichungsformen (7 %) sind vor allem Angstsymptome zu beobachten, bei den Crackkonsumenten vor allem depressive Symptome.  Schlussfolgerungen: In Abhängigkeit von der Konsumform und Konsumintensität von Kokain zeigen sich unterschiedliche Begleit- und Folgeerscheinungen. Im Rahmen der Behandlungsplanung erfordert dies eine genaue Analyse einzelner Konsumphasen.
Die Nutzung von Konsumräumen in Frankfurt/Main unter besonderer Berücksichtigung des Konsums von Crack
Authors: Schmid Martin , Vogt Irmgard
Published: September 2010

Fragestellung: Wie lässt sich die Klientel von Konsumräumen in Frankfurt am Main beschreiben? Unterscheiden sich Konsumenten von Crack von anderen Drogenabhängigen?  Methodik: Ein einfaches Dokumentationssystem erlaubt unter Wahrung der Datenschutzbestimmungen die personale Zuordnung von Daten, die mit gängigen Methoden der deskriptiven Statistik ausgewertet worden sind.  Ergebnisse: Die Klientel der Konsumräume lässt sich mit den erhobenen Daten recht gut beschreiben und differenzieren, ebenso die typischen Konsummuster. Heroin und Crack sind die am häufigsten injizierten Drogen. Konsumenten/innen von Crack unterscheiden sich von anderen Drogenkonsumenten: der Anteil der Personen, die wohnungslos, erwerbslos oder chronisch krank sind, ist überdurchschnittlich hoch.  Schlussfolgerungen: Die Konsumräume erreichen weitgehend die Klientel, für die sie eingerichtet worden sind. Eine Ausdifferenzierung des Beratungsangebots wäre allerdings sinnvoll.