bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ChemInform Abstract: Voastrictine, a Novel Pentacyclic Quinolinic Alkaloid from Tabernaemontana.
Authors: Kam Toh‐Seok , Sim Kooi‐Mow , Lim Tuck‐Meng
Published: September 2010

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 100 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Studies Directed Toward the Synthesis of Viridenomycin. Route 2: A Second Generation Approach.
Authors: Waterson Alex G. , Kruger Albert W. , Meyers A. I.
Published: September 2010

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 100 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Synthesis of 7‐Methoxybenzolactam‐V8 Using Aminomercuration as a Key Reaction.
Authors: Sakamuri Sukumar
Published: September 2010

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 100 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Nucleophilic and Radical Chemistry of Benzylselenides: Preparation of Novel Selenocephems and selenopenams.
Authors: Carland Michael W. , Martin Robyn L. , Schiesser Carl H.
Published: September 2010

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 100 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: F13459, a New Derivative of Mycophenolic Acid. Part 2. Physico‐Chemical Properties and Structural Elucidation.
Authors: Koshino Hiroyuki , Muroi Makoto , Tajika Tatsuharu , Kimura Yasuo , Takatsuki Akita
Published: September 2010

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 100 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Synthesis of Gingerenone‐A and Hirsutenone.
Authors: Venkateswarlu Somepalli , Ramachandra Marellapudi S. , Rambabu Madabattula , Subbaraju Gottumukkala V.
Published: September 2010

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 100 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Two New Roridins Isolated from Myrothecium sp.
Authors: Wagenaar Melissa M. , Clardy Jon
Published: September 2010

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 100 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Synthesis and Characterization of CdIn2S4 Nanorods by Converting CdS Nanorods via the Hydrothermal Route.
Authors: Hu J. Q. , Deng B. , Zhang W. X. , Tang K. B. , Qian Y. T.
Published: September 2010

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 100 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Synthesis of N‐[2‐ and 3‐(Substituted aryloxy)] Acetyl and Propanoyl Pyrrolidine/Morpholine/Piperidine/Piperazines and Their Bio‐evaluation.
Authors: Chauhan Deepa , Chauhan J. S. , Singh J. , Gupta P. P. , Dubey M. P.
Published: September 2010

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 100 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Hydrothermal/Solvothermal Processing of Advanced Ceramic Materials
Authors: Yu Shu‐Hong
Published: September 2010

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 100 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Studies on Low‐Coordinated Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Sulfur, and Selenium Compounds
Authors: Inamoto Naoki
Published: September 2010

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 100 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Kinetics of AT1 Receptor Antagonists
Authors: Huebner Reinhold , Fuchs Winfried
Published: September 2010

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 100 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Peptide Models of Protein β‐Sheets: Design, Folding and Insights into Stabilizing Weak Interactions
Authors: Searle Mark S.
Published: September 2010

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 100 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Photoisomerization by Hula‐Twist: A Fundamental Supramolecular Photochemical Reaction
Authors: Liu Robert S. H.
Published: September 2010

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 100 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Glycopeptide and Oligosaccharide Libraries
Authors: St. Hilaire Phaedria M. , Meldal Morten
Published: September 2010

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 100 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Protecting Groups for the Synthesis of Ribonucleic Acids
Authors: Pitsch Stefan
Published: September 2010

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 100 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Protein Kinase C: Structural and Spatial Regulation by Phosphorylation, Cofactors, and Macromolecular Interactions
Authors: Newton Alexandra C.
Published: September 2010

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 100 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Reaction Mechanisms on Liquid and Solid Acid Catalysts. Correlation with Acidity
Authors: Farcasiu Dan
Published: September 2010

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 100 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
Structural, electronic, and magnetoresponsive properties of triangular lanthanide clusters and their free‐standing nitrides
Authors: Tsipis Athanassios C. , Stalikas Alexandros V.
Published: September 2010

The molecular and electronic structures, stabilities, bonding features, and magnetoresponsive properties of three‐membered [c‐Ln3]+/0/− (Ln = La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Gd, Lu) and heterocyclic six‐membered [c‐Ln3E3]q (Ln = La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Gd, Lu; E = C, N; q = 0 or 1) rings have been investigated by means of electronic structure calculation methods at the DFT level. The [c‐Ln3]+/0/− clusters are predicted to be bound with respect to dissociation to their constituent atoms, the estimated binding energies ranging from 45.8 to 2056.4 kJ/mol. The [c‐Ln3] rings capture easily a planar three‐coordinated nitrogen atom at the center or above the center of the ring yielding the lanthanide nitride clusters [c‐Ln3(μ3‐N)] adopting a planar geometry, except [c‐La3(μ3‐N)] which exhibits pyramidal geometry. The [c‐Ln3(μ3‐N)] clusters are predicted to be bound, with respect to dissociation to N (4S) atom and [c‐Ln3] clusters in their ground states, the binding energies ranging from 53.9 to 257.9 kcal/mol. The six‐membered [c‐Ln3E3]q rings are predicted to be bound with respect to dissociation to LnEq monomers in their ground states with dissociation energies in the range of 173.8 to 318.0 kcal/mol. Calculation of the NICSzz‐scan curves of the clusters predicted a “hermaphrodic” magnetic response of the [c‐Ln3]+/0/− and heterocyclic six‐membered [c‐Ln3E3]q rings, manifested by the coexistence of successive diatropic (aromatic) and paratropic (antiaromatic) zones. The [c‐La3]+/0/− and [c‐Lu3]− are predicted to be weakly antiaromatic, the [c‐Lu3]0/+, [c‐Lu3C3]+, and [c‐Lu3N3] double (σ+π) aromatic, and the [c‐Gd3C3] and [c‐Gd3N3]+ rings (σ+δ)‐aromatic systems. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comput Chem, 2011
Europäischer Studiengang Biotechnologie
Authors: Kaat Kai Te , Bischoff Frieder , Jermutus Lutz
Published: September 2010

Seit vier Jahren besteht an der Ecole Supérieure de Biotechnologie de Strasbourg (ESBS) ein trinationaler Studiengang Biotechnologie der Universitäten Basel, Freiburg, Karlsruhe und Straßburg, der nach abgeschlossenem Vordiplom in drei Jahren zu einem international anerkannten Diplom führt. Im Gegensatz zu vergleichbaren Angeboten an deutschen Hochschulen bietet der breit gefächerte Vorlesungsplan der ESBS eine interdisziplinäre, mehrsprachige Ausbildung in dieser Schlüsseltechnologie, wie der folgende Erfahrungsbericht zeigt.
Proteinstrukturen am PC
Authors: Fels Gregor
Published: September 2010

SciProtein ist ein Produkt aus der SciVision‐Softwarereihe, das die Ermittlung und Bearbeitung von Sekundärstrukturen von Proteinen auf dem PC unter Windows ermöglicht.
The influence of level of concentrate feeding on the voluntary intake of grass and on live-weight gain by cattle
Authors: Tayler J. C. , Wilkinson J. M.
Published: September 2010

Grazing and stall-feeding experiments were conducted to examine the effect of giving different amounts of cereal-protein concentrate with grass on the live-weight gain of cattle initially 6 months of age. The effect of level of concentrate on grass intake was also studied in the indoor trial. Experiment 1 took place at pasture, with two stocking rates (high and low) and three levels of supplementation at each stocking rate. The response to supplementation, and rate of live-weight gain by the unsupplemented groups was similar at both stocking rates for a 101-day period from late April to mid-August. The results are discussed in relation to other pasture supplementation experiments, and to those obtained in the indoor experiment. Experiment 2 (stall-feeding) consisted of five levels of concentrate feeding from zero to 100% of the diet. There was little increase in total intake as the proportion of concentrate in the diet increased, and the relationship between grass intake and concentrate intake was rectilinear.

Gut fill estimates are presented for each level of concentrate feeding, and results for empty body-weight gain are discussed in relation to live-weight gains. There was a linear increase in weight gain with increasing proportion of concentrate in the diet. Empty body-weight gain is recommended as a less biased assessment of the response of cattle to concentrates given with pasture or forages.
Milk and herbage intake of suckled and artificially reared lambs at pasture as influenced by lactation pattern
Authors: Doney J. M. , Smith A. D. M. , Sim D. A. , Zygoyannis D.
Published: September 2010

East Friesland × Blackface (EFX) ewes with sustained lactation (S) and pure Scottish Blackface (BF) ewes with normal lactation (N) were mated to Suffolk rams. Twenty pairs of twin lambs born to the EFX ewes were used in the experiment. One lamb of each pair was re-allocated as a single lamb to either an EFX or a BF ewe (ER) and the second lamb was artificially reared (AR). At pasture the AR lambs were fed four times daily at levels corresponding to the milk intake of the ER lambs, which was measured weekly. Herbage intake was measured only in wether lambs.

The intake of milk and herbage between weeks 3 and 12 was lower in the AR groups than in the corresponding ER groups but the differences were not significant.

Total metabolizable energy intake as milk in the ER-S group from weeks 3 to 12 was significantly higher than that in the ER-N group (668 v. 450 MJ). Corresponding intakes in the AR-S and AR-N groups were 613 and 416 MJ. Herbage intake over the same period was 187 and 238 MJ for ER-S and ER-N, and 137 and 219 MJ for AR-S and AR-N. Total intake from milk plus herbage was significantly higher in the S group (855 and 750 MJ, respectively, for ER and AR lambs) than in the N group (688 and 634 MJ).

There were negative correlations of herbage intake with milk intake (–0·533) and with live-weight gain (–0·094), and positive relationships between live-weight gain and milk intake (r = +0·832), and between live-weight gain and total intake (r = +0·900). Differences in milk intake resulted in significant differences in live weight at 12 weeks (respectively, 34·6 and 29·7 kg for ER-S and ER-N; 32·3 and 29·1 kg for AR-S and AR-N).

It is concluded that lambs reared artificially at pasture may be used to investigate the relationship between milk and herbage intake. It was suggested that if milk does not meet the requirements of voluntary intake or growth potential, herbage intake may be increased to fill the deficit but this does not compensate fully for a lower milk supply.
Morphological alterations in the reproductive organs of ewe lambs reared on lucerne
Authors: Valderrábano J. , Ramón J. P. , Barberán M.
Published: September 2010

The effect on the morphology of the reproductive organs of ewe lambs of exposure to phyto-oestrogens for long periods of time were studied in 10 ewe lambs reared on lucerne compared with 10 controls on Italian ryegrass.

Anatomical studies of the reproductive organs showed that the ewe lambs reared on lucerne had significantly bigger reproductive tracts than the controls, the thyroids and the mammary glands were heavier and the latter showed secretory activity. The ovaries of the ewes fed on lucerne were smaller and lighter than those of the controls but no difference in ovarian activity was detected.

Microscopic examination showed specific features affecting the uterus, cervix and vagina. The prevalence of neutral mucopolysaccharides in the composition of the cervical mucus found in ewe lambs fed on lucerne indicated a decrease in viscosity of the mucus.
A note on the use of impedance measurements for the prediction of carcass composition in lambs
Authors: Cosgrove J. R. , King J. W. B. , Brodie D. A.
Published: September 2010

The absence of a simple, accurate method of lamb carcass composition assessment presents difficulties in satisfying an increasing consumer demand for leaner meat. Present carcass classification methods, depending on visual appraisal by trained personnel, may be perceived as subjective and consequently little support for the scheme is found within the industry. Ten carcasses of varying weight (19·9 (s.d. 5·9) kg) and side concentration of fat (303·61 (s.d. 102·70) g/kg) were assessed for impedance to the flow of an alternating current (800μΛ at 50Hz) by use of an impedance analyser. Impedance measurements were highly repeatable (> 0·90) and prediction equations for side concentration of fat and lean produced residual s.d.s of 23·25 to 18·80 g/kg and 37·10 to 18·55 g/kg respectively. Impedance measurements may provide an inexpensive, accurate and simple means of assessing lamb carcass composition
A note on the effect of live weight at mating on fertility of Awassi ewes in semi-arid north-west Syria
Authors: Thomson E. F. , Bahhady F. A.
Published: September 2010

Ninety Awassi ewes managed at different levels were used to study the effect of live weight mating on fertility over 3 years in semi-arid north-west Syria. During the 56-day pre-mating period fertile ewes had higher daily live-weight gains than infertile ewes (P < 0·01), frequency of oestrous cycles increased as live weight increased (P < 0·001) and fertile ewes tended to have more frequent oestruses than infertile ewes (P > 0·05). Ewe fertility was related (r = 0·87) to live weight at mating and twinning reached a maximum (four per 100 ewes lambing) in 51· to 56-kg ewes then decreased fP > 0·05). Maximum fertility can be expected in Awassi ewes weighing over 48 kg at mating in north-west Syria.
Effects of air temperature, air velocity and feeding level on apparent digestibility, water intake, water loss and growth in calves given a milk substitute diet
Authors: Cockram M. S. , Rowan T. G.
Published: September 2010

Six groups of eight 2-day-old calves were placed successively in a controlled environment chamber. Three groups were exposed to air temperatures of 10° and 25°C. A liquid diet of skimmed-milk substitute and 4 I/day of drinking (free) water was offered to each calf. Within each group, calves were allocated to either a low (<0·2 m/s) or a high (>3 m/s) air velocity and to either a low (30 g dry matter (DM) per kg M0·75per day) or a high (40 g DM per kg M0·75per day) feeding level. At 8 days of age the apparent digestibilities of DM at air temperatures of 10° and 25°C were 0·77 (s.e. 0·126) and 0·82 (s.e. 0·126) respectively (P > 0·05). The apparent digestibilities of DM were greater at the low feeding level with low air velocity than for either this feeding level with high air velocity or the high feeding level at both air velocities (P< 0·05) between which there was no significant difference (P > 0·05). At 8 days of age there were significant air temperature × air velocity (P< 001) and air velocity × feeding level interactions in the intake of free water (P< 005). There was a significant air temperature × feeding level interaction for total water intake (P< 0·05). Urinary water loss relative to total water intake was significantly greater at the low air velocity than at the high air velocity (P< 0·05).

In a further two groups of eight calves given 30 g DM per kg M 75 per day at 8 days of age, the apparent digestibilities of DM at air temperatures of 10° and 25°C were 0·71 (s.e. 0·020) and 0·90 (s.e. 0·013) respectively (P< 0·01). In the same calves given 40 g DM per kg M0·75per day at 20 days of age, the apparent digestibilities of DM at air temperatures of 10° and 25°C were 0·89 (s.e. 0·009) and 0·93 (s.e. 0·011) respectively (P< 0·05). The free and total water intakes, the ratios of (total water intake-faecal water loss): total water intake and the urinary losses of water were significantly greater at the air temperature of 25°C than at 10°C (P< 0·05). Live-weight gains were lower at 10°C than at 25°C (P< 0·01).

The results suggested that air temperature, air velocity and feeding level can affect the health and growth of calves less than 4 weeks of age.
A comparison of soya-bean, sunflower and fish meals as protein supplements for yearling cattle offered grass silage-based diets
Authors: Steen R. W. J.
Published: September 2010

Two experiments were carried out to examine the relative value of soya-bean, sunflower and fish meals as protein supplements for growing beef cattle offered grass silage ad libitum. In each experiment, well preserved grass silage (116 and 119 g crude protein (CP) per kg dry matter (DM) and 69 and 76 g ammonia-N per kg total N in experiments 1 and 2 respectively) was supplemented with (1) barley (107 g CP per kg DM), (2) barley/soya-bean meal (224 g CP per kg DM), (3) barley/sunflower meal (223 g CP per kg DM) and (4) barley/fish meal (218 g CP per kg DM). Each of the supplements was offered at a rate of 1·3 kg per head daily to 32 British Friesian castrated male cattle (mean initial live weight 334 kg) n i each experiment. The treatments were imposed for 118 and 134 days in experiments 1 and 2 respectively and the animals were slaughtered 8 months after the end of the treatment periods. On average over the two experiments for supplements 1 to 4 respectively, silage DM intakes were 6·2, 6·3, 6·3 and 6·2 (s.e. 0·053) kg/day; live-weight gains 0·69, 0·78, 0·71 and 0·80 (s.e. 0·039) kg/day; carcass weights 375, 377, 377 and 374 (s.e. 8·1) kg, carcass fat classification (1 = leanest, 5 = fattest); 3·5, 3·5, 3·4 and 3·6 (s.e. 0·14) and areas of m. longissimus dorsi 19·8, 19·9, 19·7 and 19·3 (s.e. 0·66) mnv/kg carcass weight. It is concluded that when part of a barley supplement given in addition to well preserved grass silage was replaced with soya-bean, sunflower or fish meals, silage intake was not affected. The inclusion of fish meal in the diet increased live-weight gain by HOg/day and the response to soya-bean meal was 0·78 of the response to fish meal per unit of crude protein. Sunflower meal did not affect performance. The treatments did not affect carcass weight or fatness 8 months after the end of the treatment periods.
Rumen degradation of straw. 7. Effects of chemical pre-treatment and addition of propionic acid on degradation characteristics of botanical fractions barley stra treated with a cellulase preparation
Authors: Nakashima Y. , Ørskov E. R.
Published: September 2010

Four experiments were carried out to measure the effects of exposure to a cellulase preparation on the degradation characteristics of whole barley straw and its botanical fractions. The effect of chemical pre-treatment (NaOH and H2O2) on treatment with a cellulase preparation and the addition of propionic acid to inhibit loss of dry matter were also studied during the fermentation of ensiled straws. Samples of each preparation were incubated in polyester bags in the rumens of three sheep to estimate degradability. The data were described using the equationp = a + b (1—ec) where p is degradability at time t and a, b and c are constants.

The pH of ensiled straw was consistently decreased (P < 0·01) and the solubility increased (P < 0·01) by treatment with a cellulase preparation and by increasing the period of ensiling. The b values were decreased by increasing the length of the ensiling period (F < 0·01). The increase in the solubility of the treated botanical fractions was particularly apparent for the leaf blades, followed by leaf sheath, with the internodes being least affected (P < 0·01). However, treatment with a cellulase preparation had little or no effect in increasing the potential degradability (a + b) of any botanical fraction. The degradability of the whole plant and botanical fractions of straw increased (P < 0·01) with NaOH treatment and was further improved (P < 0·01) by alkaline H2O2 treatment. The increase was greater in internodes than in leaf sheath (P < 0·01). Treatment with a cellulase preparation and chemical pre-treatment had little or no effect on the 48-h dry-matter loss (DML) and the (a + b) values, but it increased (P < 0·01) the a values and solubility.

DML from straw treated with a cellulase preparation during fermentation decreased (P < 0·01) from about 60 to less than 10 g/kg with 30 g propionic acid added per kg straw to inhibit bacterial activity. The decreased fermentation loss was reflected in an increase in the 48-h DML and potential (a + b) values of straw treated with a cellulase preparation.
Prediction of the voluntary intake of grass silages by beef cattle. 2. Principal component and ridge regression analyses
Authors: Rook A. J. , Dhanoa M. S. , Gill M.
Published: September 2010

Data on individually recorded silage intake (SDMI), concentrate intake and live weight of steers and data on silage composition including toluene dry matter, pH, total nitrogen, ammonia nitrogen, volatile fatty acids, digestibility and fibre measures obtained from experiments at three sites were used.

Correlation and principal component analyses indicated that there was severe collinearity among a number of the variables, particularly among various fermentation characteristics, between different measures of digestibility and between different measures of fibre. This collinearity was shown to have caused instability in least-squares multiple regression coefficients of silage intake on other variables previously obtained from the same data (Rook and Gill, 1990). Principal component regression and ridge regression allowed the derivation of new coefficients which were more stable and more in line with a priori expectations from experimental results. Linear functions of the original variables and the use of models containing fewer variables also proved effective in overcoming the problems of collinearity.

Fermentation characteristics were shown to be the most important silage factors affecting intake and butyric acid was shown to be more important than other volatile fatty acids or ammonia nitrogen. Neutral-detergent fibre was found to be better related to intake than other fibre or digestibility measures.
The performance of ewes offered diets containing different proportions of perennial ryegrass and white clover silage in late pregnancy
Authors: Orr R. J. , Treacher T. T.
Published: September 2010

Finn Dorset ewes were offered forage ad libitum from week 16 of pregnancy until lambing and were either unsupplemented (U) or given 600 g/day of concentrates (S). Grass silage and white clover silage, ensiled separately and having similar dry matter concentrations, were offered in four mixtures with white clover proportions of 0, 0·20, 0·40 and 0·60 on a fresh basis. Forage intake was significantly higher for mixtures containing higher proportions of clover (9·1, 10·5, 12·3 and 13·6 g organic matter (OM) per kg live weight) and the ewes gained more weight (33, 65, 178 and 174 g/day) and had smaller losses in body condition score (–0·59, –0·49, –0·39 and –0·17). Higher proportions of clover in the diet in late pregnancy also resulted in significantly higher growth rates of lambs during lactation, when a common diet was offered.

The number of foetuses carried in pregnancy had significant effects on intake and some aspects of performance. For ewes carrying singles, twins and multiples respectively, mean daily forage intakes were 12·2, 11·9 and 10·4 g OM per kg live weight and losses in body condition score were –0·05, –0·40 and –0·62.

Offering the supplement reduced forage intake and for treatments U and S respectively, mean daily values were 12·6 and 10·2 g OM per kg live weight. Whilst the supplemented ewes had smaller losses in body condition score in late pregnancy (–0·54 v. –0·28), lamb birth weights and growth rates were significantly increased only for ewes which had carried three or more foetuses in pregnancy and reared their two heaviest lambs.
A note on production characteristics of three subtypes of Sudan Desert sheep under station management
Authors: Sulieman A. H. , Wilson R. T.
Published: September 2010

Shugor, Dubasi and Watish subtypes of Sudan Desert sheep were evaluated on the basis of three productivity indices: (I) weight of lamb weaned per ewe per year; (II) weight weaned per kg ewe per year; and (III) weight weaned per kg0·75 ewe per year. Components used to construct the indices were litter weight at 150 days, parturition interval, survival to 150 days and ewe post-partum weight. There were differences among subtypes in all components but, because of interactions among them, there were no differences in the indices. The indices were 18·5 kg, 461 g and 1·25 kg for I, II and III respectively. Other studies on Sudan Desert and other types of African sheep with similar mature weights have generally shown better results. Suggestions for improving productivity are made.
Predicting the time of ovulation in dairy cows using on-farm progesterone kits
Authors: McLeod B. J. , Foulkes J. A. , Williams M. E. , Weller R. F.
Published: September 2010

A protocol of infrequent, but strategically timed milk-sampling was established for predicting the time of ovulation, and thus the optimum time for insemination, in lactating dairy cows. In the experimental group (no. = 49), the time of ovulation was predicted on the basis of a fall in milk progesterone concentrations, which was identified by the use of ‘on-farm’ progesterone assay kits. Reproductive performance in these animals was compared with that in control cows (no. = 45) that were inseminated solely on the basis of oestrous detection by stockmen. The accuracy of ovulation prediction, and of oestrous detection, was assessed from progesterone profiles based on milk samples collected three times weekly from all 94 cows. These milk samples were analysed by laboratory enzyme-immunoassay after the end of the trial.

Over the period during which milk samples were monitored with ‘on-farm’ progesterone kits, a total of 88 ovulations occurred in the experimental group. The progesterone-testing protocol accurately predicted 87 (99%) of these. Over the same period, there was a total of 81 ovulations in the control group and 63 (78%) of these were associated with correct oestrous detection. Conception rates to correctly timed insemination did not differ significantly between groups, but by the end of the three-cycle experimental period, significantly more of the cows in the experimental group (21·8%) than in the control group (4·8%; P < 0·05). In contrast, the use of ‘on-farm’ progesterone results to confirm oestrus avoided any mistimed inseminations (13% of inseminations in the control group). By using the milk-sampling and ‘on-farm’ progesterone-testing protocol, only 1% of ovulations were not accompanied by a correctly timed insemination. This compared with 22% of ovulations in the control group not associated with an insemination because oestrus was not detected. By ensuring that all ovulations are associated with a correctly timed insemination, herd reproductive performance can be significantly improved.
The effect of compound composition and silage characteristics on silage intake, feeding behaviour, production of milk and live-weight change in lactating dairy cows
Authors: Jackson D. A. , Johnson C. L. , Forbes J. M.
Published: September 2010

An experiment was carried out to investigate the effects of compound composition and silage characteristics on silage intake, feeding behaviour and productive performance of dairy cows during the first 25 weeks of lactation. Over a period of 3 years, 36 lactating British Friesian cows (12 per year), in their third or later lactations, were divided into two groups. The cows in each group received either compound S, in which the principal energy source was cereal starch, or compound F containing a mixture of high quality digestible fibre. Cows given compound F ate 2·2 kg more silage dry matter per day (P < 0·05). The type of compound had no effect on the frequency of silage feeding and the time spent eating was significantly different only over weeks 10 to 25 of lactation (P < 0·05), with cows on compound F spending on average 20 min longer feeding per day. Cows on compound F produced 1·7 kg more milk per day than cows on compound S. Although there were no significant differences in the concentration of milk constituents, compound F was associated with higher yields of milk constituents. Significant differences were found between the years of experiment in the frequency of feeding (P < 0·05) and also in the concentration of milk protein and milk fat. There were no significant differences in the magnitude of live-weight change between treatments or year of experiment.
The effect of mixing unfamiliar individuals on the growth and production of finishing pigs
Authors: Tan S. S. L. , Shackleton D. M. , Beames R. M.
Published: September 2010

The effect on productivity of mixing finishing pigs from different litters was studied. Two hundred and ten Yorkshire × Landrace pigs of about 76 kg were assigned in groups of six to each of four treatments. In treatment 1, pigs were retained as unmixed littermates while in treatments 2 and 3, three pigs from one litter were mixed with three pigs from another litter. Additionally pigs in treatment 3 were injected with a tranquilizer prior to mixing. In treatment 4, groups of five littermates were introduced into the pen of either a lighter weight or heavier weight pig. All groups were housed in 6·65 m2 partially slatted pens and fed from a communal food trough.

Besides promoting aggression and fighting, mixing significantly depressed productivity, and both short-and long-term economic returns. Over the 3-week experimental period the proportional live-weight gains observed in the unmixed pigs over those of the mixed groups, were substantial: 0·099 over the 3: 3 mixed groups, 0·141 over the tranquilizer-treated groups, and 0·127 over the 5: 1 mixed groups. Consequently, mixing would necessitate additional inputs of food, housing, and labour because of the increased days to market.

The tranquilizer not only did not eliminate fighting but had a long-term negative effect on production and was thus a contra-indicated expense. Introducing a single pig into a group in an occupied pen also lowered production, as did moving without mixing. However, moving effects were short lived and had minimal negative influences on overall productivity.
Repeatability and bias of estimated breeding values for dairy bulls and bull dams calculated from animal model evaluations
Authors: Uimari P. , Mäntysaari E. A.
Published: September 2010

An animal model and an approximative method for calculating repeatabilities of estimated breeding values are used in Finnish dairy cow evaluation. Changes in estimated breeding values over time as daughters accumulate were studied. Special emphasis was given to the accuracy and potential bias in the pedigree indices of young sires. The data set used was the same as in the national evaluation and the traits investigated were protein yield and somatic cell count. The average repeatability in evaluation of bulls without daughters was 0·37. The empirical repeatability defined as a squared correlation between the pedigree index and the final sire proof was only 0·15. The reduction in the repeatability was attributed to the selection on pedigree index. The upward bias observed in pedigree indices was 5 kg (approx. 0·3 of genetic standard deviation). The bias was caused by the overestimation of bull dams' breeding value. Also the proofs of bull sires increased after the second crop of daughters. The correlation between the evaluations of the same sire calculated from two separate equal size daughter groups was 0·91 when the bull had 10 to 50 daughters and 0·87 with over 100 daughters. This illustrates how the relative weight of the pedigree decreases while more progeny information is accumulated in the evaluation.
Accretion of total protein and individual amino acids by organs and tissues of growing lambs and the ability of nitrogen balance techniques to quantitate protein retention
Authors: MacRae J. C. , Walker A. , Brown D. , Lobley G. E.
Published: September 2010

Twelve Suffolk-Finn Dorset lambs were reared from 25 to 40 or 25 to 55 kg body weight on either pelleted dried grass or a ration of pelleted grass plus barley (ratio 1:1) in a comparative slaughter experiment designed to determine the amounts of total nitrogen and individual amino acids accreted in different body components during growth. Nitrogen (N) balance measurements were determined frequently during this growth phase and accumulated N retentions were compared with the total N accretion determined by comparative slaughter. Total N and individual amino acids accumulated in carcass, wool, skin, offal and blood, head and feet, gastro-intestinal tract and liver were linearly related to body weight in all cases other than for cysteine in carcass. At 25 kg live weight, proportionately 0·52 of total body N was in carcass components, 0·115 in wool, 0·08 in skin, 0·10 in offal and blood, 0·095 in head and feet, 0·06 in the gastro-intestinal tract and 0·02 in liver. However as the animals grew from 25 to 55 kg, 0·256 of the total N accretion was in wool, which was rich in cysteine (98 g/kg total amino acid). Carcass accretion represented only 0·449 of total body N accretion. The N balance technique overestimated net protein accretion by 0·24 (s.e. 0·036).
Genetic parameters of lamb carcass characteristics at three end-points: fat level, age and weight
Authors: Pollott G. E. , Guy D. R. , Croston D.
Published: September 2010

Although breed substitution is a very common method of rapidly altering the characteristics of a livestock population, within-breed selection for lamb carcass characters is becoming more widely used in the terminal sire breeds in Britain. Such selection schemes require accurate and applicable genetic parameters for the carcass traits of interest. This paper reports a genetic analysis of 11 traits measured on 3592 lamb carcasses using a derivative-free restricted maximum likelihood technique. Because of the trial design it was possible to estimate the genetic parameters of the traits at comparable fat cover, carcass weight and age at slaughter, using appropriate within-subclass covariates.

Heritability estimates for muscle depth (0·23, s.e. 0·04), muscle width (0·32, s.e. 0·05), fat depth (0·31, s.e. 0·05), caliper fat (0·23, s.e. 0·04) and conformation (0·29, s.e. 0·05) were similar in the weight and age-corrected results. Heritabilities for fat cover (0·35, s.e. 0·05), daily carcass weight gain (0·63, s.e. 0·07), and leg conformation (0·44, s.e. 0·05) were higher with slaughter at fixed weight than at fixed age. The heritabilities of traits at comparable fat cover were similar to those at comparable age at slaughter with the exception of daily carcass weight gain, fat depth, caliper fat and leg conformation.

The different measures of fat were highly correlated with each other. Conformation was moderately correlated with external fat score, carcass length and muscle depth. Muscle depth was moderately correlated with carcass length. Differences were found between genetic correlations calculated at equal weight, a common point of comparison in breeding schemes, and equal fat cover, a common end-point for slaughter lambs.
The effects of work on food intake and ingestive behaviour of draught cattle and buffalo given barley straw
Authors: Person R. A. , Smith D. G.
Published: September 2010

In the first experiment the animals were worked for 5h/day and/or given 17 h access to food. In the second experiment they were worked for 4 h/day and/or given 20 h access to food. When animals were prevented from feeding on barley straw for 7 h/day their dry-matter intake (DMI) was significantly less than when they were given 24 h access to food. When feeding was prevented for only 4 h/day food intake was not significantly different from that with 24-h access.

A study of feeding behaviour (experiment 2) suggested that when most animals were deprived of food for 4 h they maintained similar intakes to those on ad libitum feeding by increasing their rate of eating, rather than by increasing the time they spent eating. Preventing food intake for 4 h/day was associated with little change in time spent ruminating during the day. On all treatments, the buffalo spent significantly less time eating and more time ruminating than the cattle.

Work, during the periods when food was withheld, had little effect on the DMI of either the buffalo or cattle compared with restricted feeding. No rumination occurred during the time that the animals were at work. However on working days, time spent ruminating was similar to that seen on restricted feeding days, but the animals spent more time ruminating later in the day than when they were able to ruminate during the middle of the day.
Growth and body composition of Omani local sheep 1. Live-weight growth and carcass and non-carcass characteristics
Authors: Mahgoub O. , Lodge G. A.
Published: September 2010

Forty-five local Omani ram, wether and ewe lambs were reared from birth until slaughter at 18, 28 or 38 kg live weight (five of each ‘sex’ at each weight group) on an ad libitum concentrate diet and Rhodesgrass hay.

Ram lambs grew faster from birth and reached predetermined slaughter weights earlier than wether and ewe lambs. At 28 kg live weight, ram lambs had: heavier heads, feet, reticulo-rumens and livers; higher muscle and bone and lower fat proportions in the carcass; lower muscle: bone and higher muscle: fat ratios; higher proportions of carcass but lower non-carcass fat than had wether and ewe lambs. The head, feet, alimentary tract, liver and heart of Omani sheep grew at a lower rate; the skin grew at a similar rate and the carcass grew at a rate faster than empty body weight (EBW). Relative to EBW, muscle grew at a similar rate, fat faster and bone slower. Both carcass and non-carcass fats grew at a rate higher than that of the growth of EBW, with non-carcass fat growing at a higher rate than that of carcass fat. The growth rate of omental fat was the fastest followed by kidney, mesenteric, subcutaneous, tail, scrotal, intermuscular and pelvic fats respectively.

This study demonstrated that Omani sheep have good potential for growth if they are managed and fed satisfactorily. Omani sheep are early maturing for which reason it is recommended that they be slaughtered at lighter weights to avoid higher fat content in the carcass. Castration in Omani sheep is not recommended for production of meat lambs under intensive systems as it resulted in reduced growth rates and deposition of excess fat at lower slaughter weights.
Productivity and carcass composition of Friesian, Meuse-Rhine-Issel (MRI) × Friesian and Belgian Blue × Friesian steers
Authors: Keane M. G.
Published: September 2010

One hundred and twenty spring-born steers, comprising 40 Friesians (FR), 40 Meuse-Rhine-lssel (MRI) × Friesians (MR), and 40 Belgian Blue × Friesians (BB) were reared together from 3 weeks of age to the start of their second winter. During the second winter there was a 3 (FR, MR and BB breed types) × 2 (3 kg and 6 kg supplementary concentrates per head daily with grass silage ad libitum) × 2 (96- and 220-day finishing periods) factorial arrangement of treatments (10 animals per subgroup). Carcass weights and grades were recorded after slaughter at the end of the second winter, and one side from each of 96 carcasses (eight per subgroup) was dissected into bone, muscle, intermuscular fat and subcutaneous fat. A sample of m. longissimus from the 10th rib was chemically analysed. Slaughter weights and carcass weights per day from arrival to slaughter were 796, 813 and 828 (s.e.d. 11·7) g and 419, 440 and 457 (s.e.d. 7·1) g for FR, MR and BB, respectively. Corresponding carcass weights were 314, 329 and 342 (s.e.d. 4·5) kg. BB had better conformation than both FR and MR. BB also had a lower carcass fat score, lower proportions of bone, intermuscular fat and subcutaneous fat, a higher proportion of muscle and muscle with higher proportion of moisture and a lower proportion of lipid than FR and MR. The higher level of concentrates increased side iveight by 8 kg, but the overall effects on carcass composition were small. The longer finishing period increased side weight by 25 kg and was associated with significantly reduced proportions of bone and muscle and an increased proportion of fat. Allometric regression coefficients for carcass weight on slaughter weight, and for bone, muscle and fat weights on side weight were 1·19, 0·39, 0·80 and 2·16, respectively. It is concluded that despite the better carcass conformation of MR, there was little difference in carcass and muscle composition between FR and MR. BB, in addition to having a higher growth rate and better carcass conformation than FR, also had more muscle in the carcass, more of the total muscle in the higher value joints and a lower proportion of lipid in the muscle. It was calculated that FR, MR and BB would have similar proportions of separable fat in the carcass at approximate carcass weights of 300, 320 and 400 kg, respectively.
Effect ofSaccharomyces cerevisiaeyeast culture supplement on ruminal metabolism in buffalo calves given a high concentrate diet
Authors: Kumar U. , Sareen V. K. , Singh S.
Published: September 2010

The effect of inclusion of live yeast culture (YC, Saccharomyces cerevisiae plus growth medium) in a high concentrate diet given to buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) calves on the rumen microbial population and fermentation pattern and in sacco dry matter disappearance of dietary constituents was examined. Six rumen-fistulated buffalo calves of about 120 kg live iveight were divided into two equal groups. The control group was given a diet consisting of, on a dry-matter basis, 0·90 kg ivheat straw, 1 kg berseem (Trifolium alexandrinum) and ISO kg concentrate per day per calf and the yeast group the above diet plus 5 g YC which was put directly into the rumen via the fistula. After feeding this diet for 6 weeks (supplementation period), inclusion of YC was stopped and both groups were given the control diet for a period of 3 weeks to examine the performance of the YC group after withdrawal of YC. At week 4 of YC supplementation the pH was significantly increased (P< 0·01) and lactate concentration was decreased (P< 0·01) in the rumen fluid for up to 6 h post feeding. The number of total bacteria, total viable bacteria, cellulolytic bacteria, amylolytic bacteria and protozoa were increased proportionately by 0·554 (P< 002), 0·482 (P<0·01), 0·670 (P<0·01), 0·077 (P > 0·05) and 0·079 (P>0·05), respectively. The concentrations of total volatile fatty acids, particularly at 4 h post feeding (P< 0·01), acetate fP< 0·01) and propionate and the acetate to propionate ratio were higher in the YC compared with the control group. On YC inclusion, the concentration of ammonia-nitrogen was decreased while that of trichloracetic acid insoluble protein was marginally increased. All these differences in rumen variables started to disappear on YC withdrawal and values returned to control levels by the 3rd week after YC withdrawal. YC supplementation increased the in sacco dry-matter disappearance of various dietary components particularly after 3, 6 and 22 h incubation.