bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pre-Slaughter Handling of Cattle and the Occurrence of Bruising
Authors: Jarvis A M , Selkirk L , Cockram M S
Published: November 2021

Bruising of cattle can result in economic loss to the meat industry and is one indicator of welfare problems associated with pre-slaughter management. This study quantified the occurrence of potentially traumatic events (hit gate, hit structure, mounting, fall, slip, butting, horning) during pre-slaughter handling of 350 groups of cattle (n=3296), and carcase bruising of 340 groups (n=3270), slaughtered at two commercial slaughterhouses during 22 working days. The cattle were transported to the slaughterhouses in commercial transporters and farm vehicles and were mainly Limousin, Charolais and Simmental crosses. At slaughterhouse A 124 groups (n=1058) had been transported direct from farms, and 48 groups (n=626) were from markets. At slaughterhouse B 122 groups (n=896) were from farms, and 56 groups (n=716) were from markets.
Evaluation of maternal and piglet influences on performance of Meishan synthetic and European White breeds of pig during lactation
Authors: Sinclair A G , Edwards S A , Hoste S , McCartney A
Published: November 2021

Meishan synthetic sows and gilts have been shown to produce higher litter weights at weaning than White breed type sows and gilts (Sinclair et al. 1995). The explanation for increased litter weight weaned could be attributed to one of three areas: (1) The M sows are inherently better mothers than W and can support a higher level of piglet production. (2) The higher piglet production could be solely a result of hybrid vigour in the cross-bred piglets. (3) The increased litter production could be primarily attributed to a higher number of piglets born and reared by M. This experiment aimed to evaluate the maternal post-natal effects by standardising litters between breeds by cross-fostering techniques.

Sixty-four 3rd parity sows were used in a 2x2x2 factorial experiment to assess the influence of maternal breed type (Meishan synthetic 50% [M] or pure-bred European Landrace and Large White [W]), litter size (8 [L] or 12 [H] piglets) and breed of piglet (25% Meishan hybrid [m] or white hybrid [w]) on sow and litter production over a 28 day lactation. All litters were formed by cross-fostering 24hrs after farrowing.
Maternal effects and Chicken Growth
Authors: Catterall J. H. , Pollott G. E.
Published: November 2021

Previous research into the genetics of broiler traits in a commercial breeding operation found a significant maternal effect on juvenile body weight, at 32 days of age, in addition to the additive genetic effect (Morris and Pollott, 1995). Since no nurture or imitative behaviour occurs between the dam and offspring in modem broiler production, any maternal effects are likely to be conferred to the offspring via the egg. This study attempts to investigate the nature of these effects.

Pedigreed eggs from two separate broiler breeding lines, one experimental male line and one experimental female line, were individually weighed prior to incubation. In total 2871 eggs were weighed, 1887 eggs from the experimental female line and 984 eggs from experimental male line.
The prediction of intake potential and organic matter digestibility of grass silages by near infrared spectroscopy analysis of undried samples
Authors: Park R.S. , Gordon F.J. , Cooper K. , Steen R.W.J.
Published: November 2021

Baker et al. (1994) and Park et al. (1996) have demonstrated the potential of near infrared reflectance spectroscopy (NIRS) for the prediction of organic matter digestibility (OMD) of grass silages. Equally, Steen et al. (1995) and Park et al. (1996) have shown a similar potential in the use of NIRS to predict intake potential. However these workers have all used NIRS with dried silage samples, a practice which increases analytical costs and results in differential losses of volatile components. The present study was designed to explore the potential of NIRS with undried silage for the prediction of OMD and intake potential.

One hundred and thirty six grass silages, produced commercially on farms across Northern Ireland, were selected and their ad libitum intake and OMD determined through cattle and sheep respectively (Steen et al., 1995).
Opioid-control of oxytocin secretion in gilts farrowing in crates or pens
Authors: A.B. Lawrence  , K.A. McLean  , J. Chirnside  , L.A. Deans  , S. Calvert  , C.L Gilbert  , J. Goode  , J.C. Petherick
Published: November 2021

Previous work has shown that an acute mid-partum can inhibit oxytocin secretion and prolong delivery in the pig, an effect that is opioid-mediated (Lawrence et al., 1992). However, where gilts were given 5 days to adapt to the farrowing crate, there was little indication that the crate interfered with oxytocin secretion or the progress of parturition relative to gilts farrowing in pens with straw bedding (Lawrence et al., 1995). This experiment aimed to directly assess the extent to which crates or pens affect opioid-control of oxytocin (OT) secretion as a means of measuring stress in the parturient gilt.
The effect of environment on behavioural activity, ACTH, β-endorphin and cortisol in pre-farrowing gilts
Authors: Jarvis S , Lawrence AB , McLean KA , Deans L , Chirnside J , Calvert S
Published: November 2021

Previous work has suggested that gilts housed in a crated environment, without bedding, are more physiologically stressed over the pre-parturient period as characterised by elevated cortisol levels (Lawrence et al, 1994) compared to those housed in a straw bedded pen. β-endorphin and Adrenocorticotropic Hormone (ACTH) are released concomitantly from the adenohypophysis (Guillemin et al, 1977) and have been shown to increase during parturition in humans (Fajardo et al, 1994), with ACTH being involved in the stress response, and β-endorphin possibly playing a role in an endogenous defence against the pain of parturition. This study aimed to demonstrate the pre-parturient changes in these plasma hormonal concentrations and activity levels in relation to two different farrowing environments.
Social recognition in gilts mixed into a dynamic group of 30 sows
Authors: Spoolder H.A.M. , Burbidge J.A. , Edwards S.A. , Lawrence A.B. , Simmins P.H.
Published: November 2021

The need to continuously re-establish the social structure in dynamic groups of sows gives rise to higher levels of aggression compared to stable groups. Previous familiarity of animals could shorten the time it takes to reorganise the social structure, but relies on the animal's social memory.
Evidence for a new form of dominant negative imprinting at the ovine callipyge locus
Authors: Cockett N.E. , Jackson S.P. , Shay T.L. , Farnir F. , Berghmans S. , Nielsen D. , Snowder G.D. , Georges M.
Published: November 2021

In 1983, the occurrence of a ram exhibiting an exceptional muscular development was reported in a flock of Dorset sheep. This unusual phenotype was transmitted to some of the offspring, and subsequent matings involving hypermuscled male descendents of the founder ram and normal ewes clearly demonstrated a 50%-50%, sex-independent segregation ratio of the trait. It was therefore postulated that a dominant mutation (CLPG versus the normal clpg allele) at the autosomal “callipyge“ locus was responsible for this hypertrophy. Using the same family material, the callipyge locus was unambiguously mapped to the distal part of ovine chromosome 18 (Cockett et al., 1994).

In this paper, we present very strong evidence that the callipyge locus is subjected to a previously undescribed form of parental imprinting. It is indeed demonstrated that animals only express the callipyge phenotype if they have inherited the CLPG mutation from their sire, not if it is transmitted by the dam.
The performance of growing and finishing pigs offered diets formulated to reduce nitrogen excretion
Authors: Kay R.M. , Lee P.A.
Published: November 2021

In the UK, farm animal effluents have been identified as a major potential source of nitrate pollution of the water system and it would be beneficial if nitrogen excretion from animals could be kept to a minimum. Recent work (Kay and Lee, 1995 and Lee et al., 1995), has shown that nitrogen excretion by pigs can be reduced by approximately 40 per cent by supplying amino acids in the diet in better agreement with the pigs requirement than currently available commercial diets. However, such diets will only be acceptable to the pig industry if they also maintain pig performance.

One hundred and ninety two pigs housed in 16 groups of 12 were given either a commercially available diet (G-com) or a diet (G-lc) low in crude protein (CP) during the growing phase (35-55kg). During the finishing phase (65-90kg), these pigs were then given either a commercially available diet (F-com) or a low CP diet (F-lc).
An examination of the effect of concentrate energy source on milk production of dairy cows offered grass silages with differing intake characteristics
Authors: Keady T.W.J. , Mayne C.S. , Marsden M.
Published: November 2021

Considerable progress has been made recently at this Institute in improving the accuracy of prediction of silage intake when offered as the sole diet. However in most farm situations, silage is usually supplemented with varying levels and types of concentrate when offered to dairy cattle. The aim of the present study was to examine the effects of concentrate energy source on the voluntary food intake and milk yield and composition of lactating dairy cattle when offered a diverse range of grass silages.

A total of five grass silages were used in the study, silages A, B and D were produced from primary regrowths, while silages C and E were produced from second regrowths of perennial ryegrass swards. Silages A, B, C, D and E were ensiled after 48, 24, 0, 0 and 24 hour wilting periods. Silages A and C were ensiled untreated, B and D treated with an inoculant, and silage E treated with a formic acid based additive.
The effects of bacterial inoculation of unwilted and wilted grass silages on digestibility by sheep and intake and performance by dairy cows
Authors: Yan T. , Patterson D.C. , Gordon F.J.
Published: November 2021

In a previous study carried out at this Institute the application of a bacterial inoculant to unwilted grass at ensiling produced significant increases in silage DM intake and milk production across 3 harvests, while the use of the inoculant with wilted grass silages indicated no benefits in those two parameters (Yan, Patterson and Gordon, 1995). The reason for the lack of improvement when the inoculant was used with wilted grass silages was unclear, but could partially reflect greater potential rates of aerobic deterioration with wilted inoculated than wilted untreated silages during the feeding-out period. The present study was designed to further investigate the effects of inoculation of both unwilted and wilted grass silages.

A set of four silages, comprising unwilted and wilted material, both with and without application of one of four bacterial inoculants at ensiling, was prepared from perennial ryegrass swards on each of 8 harvesting occasions during 1994.
In vitro embryo production from bovine oocyte donors aspirated at different frequencies or following treatment with FSH
Authors: Goodhand K.L. , Watt R.G. , Staines M.E. , Higgins L.C. , Broadbent P.J. , Hutchinson J.S.M.
Published: November 2021

The combination of in vivo recovery of oocytes using transvaginal ultrasound guided aspiration and subsequent in vitro embryo production can be used to increase the rate of genetic change for efficiency of beef production by increasing selection intensity and reducing generation interval. The total number of oocytes recovered by aspiration and embryos produced is directly proportional to the number of aspiration sessions whether recovery takes place once or twice weekly. Pre-treatment of oocyte donors with FSH has been shown to improve the number of follicles available for aspiration but effects on embryo production have been conflicting (Bungartz et al., 1995; Goodhand et al., in press). The objective of this experiment was to compare the effect on embryo production of frequency of follicular aspiration and pre-treatment of donor cattle with FSH.
β-Carotene and protein complex found in microsomal membranes of bovine corpora lutea
Authors: Holt AJ , Rodway RG , Findlay JBC , Sands HS , Batchelder DN
Published: November 2021

The role of β-carotene in the fertility of ruminant animals has long been acknowledged (Friesecke, 1978). Initially this was thought to be due to its action as a vitamin A precursor but recently β-carotene itself has been considered responsible for improving reproductive performance (Hurley & Doane, 1989). The mechanism by which β-carotcne acts is unclear, but as its concentration in the corpus luteum was typically found to be 70Î¼g per gram of tissue, its biological action is probably exerted in this area.

β-Carotene has been studied in the bovine corpus luteum using Raman spectroscopy, high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and gel filtration chromatography. The structure of β-carotene produces a characteristic Raman spectrum and by utilising an imaging technique, photographs of isolated luteal cells were obtained indicating the regions of β-carotene within them. Differential centrifugation was used to obtain pure subcellular fractions of luteal cells.
Supplementation of Spring Calving Dairy Cows Grazing Spring and Summer Growths of Grass/Clover Mixtures
Authors: Hameleers A , Roberts D J
Published: November 2021

Grass/clover swards vary in nitrogen (N) content throughout the season. This is mainly due to the changing proportion of clover in the sward, being low in spring and increasing throughout the grazing season as shown by SÃ¸egaard (1993). This could have major implications for efficiency of the grazing animal as demonstrated by Beever et al(1986). Season specific supplementation could be necessary in order to maximise utilisation and N-efficiency.

Two grazing experiments were carried out with 30 multiparous Holstein Friesian cows on a spring (1) and summer (2) growth of a grass clover pasture containing 7.1 and 38.2% clover in the DM respectively. The three supplementation treatments (Al, Bl, CI) on the spring (1) sward consisted on 0.7, 3.1 and 3.1 kg DM day-1 of a concentrate with an analysis of ME and CP of 10.4, 12.2, 12.3 MJ kg DM-1 and 276, 230 and 204 g kg DM-1 respectively for treatment Al, Bl and CI aiming to supply 90, 100 and 90% of ERDP requirements.
The effect of concentrate level on feed intake and milk production of dairy cows offered mixed forage diets
Authors: Phipps R. H. , Jones A. K. , Sutton J. D. , Allen D.
Published: November 2021

The increasing interest in the potential of forage mixtures for milk production in the UK resulted in a three year study being commissioned at the Centre for Dairy Research by the Milk Marketing Board. Year 1 compared the effect on forage intake and yield of milk and milk constituents of replacing grass silage (GS) with either fodder beet (FB), urea-treated (4%) (UW) or fermented whole-crop wheat (FW) or brewers grains (BG) at 330 g/kg of forage DM or maize silage at either 330 (MS) or 750 (MSH) g/kg forage DM. All cows received 6 kg DM/day of an appropriate concentrate so that dietary crude protein (CP) was equalised. Tire use of forage mixtures significantly increased DM intake and milk yield. Significant changes were also recorded in milk quality. Milk fat content was depressed by BG and MSH but increased by FB, while MS and FB increased milk protein content when compared with GS. The aim of the current study was to determine the effect of concentrate level on feed intake and milk production of Friesian cows offered a forage ration of either GS or mixtures of GS and either 330 g/kg forage DM of MS, FB or BG, or 750 g/kg forage DM of maize silage (MSH).
Relationship between the excretion of allantoin in urine and milk of dairy cows
Authors: Dewhurst R.J. , Theobald V.J. , Neville M.A. , Miles S. , Evans R.T.
Published: November 2021

The overall efficiency of nitrogen utilisation by ruminants is variable, but often very low. The efficiency of capture of degraded nitrogen by rumen microbes is an important determinant of the overall efficiency of utilisation of nitrogen by dairy cows (Dewhurst et al, 1996). Existing marker-cannula techniques for assessing rumen microbial efficiency, and their derived models, do not provide a useful description of the situation on individual farms. There is considerable scope for and improvement in the efficiency of utilisation of nitrogen within dairy systems if a simple diagnostic test of rumen function could be applied. It is envisaged that such a test would contribute to more refined use of protein supplements. A considerable amount of work (see review by Stangassinger et al, 1995) has shown that urinary allantoin excretion is a good index of microbial yield which closely correlates with duodenal flow of purine bases (which originate largely from rumen microbes). However, urine samples are not easy to obtain in the practical situation and so this work investigated the possibility of using allantoin in milk (which is easily sampled) as a microbial index by comparing it with urinary allantoin (the existing technique) and milk protein yield (a product of microbial protein).
Milk allantoin excretion in relation to Fermentable Metabolisable Energy supply over a 26 to 33 kg/d range of milk yields in Holstein/Friesian dairy cows
Authors: Shingfield K.J. , Offer N.W.
Published: November 2021

Widescale on-farm assessment of microbial protein supply by urinary purine derivative (PD) excretion in dairy cows is restricted by the necessity for a total urine collection. Evaluation of urinary creatinine (c) excretion as a marker of urinary output, indicated the use of spot urine sampling to be unreliable (Shingfield et al 1995a). Further investigations have indicated that, based on mean treatment measurements, milk allantoin excretion and concentration are closely correlated with fermentable metabolisable energy (FME) supply, over a narrow range of milk yields (Shingfield et al 1995b). The current experiment evaluates the potential of milk allantoin excretion and concentration as a index of microbial protein supply over a much wider range of milk yields.
The Use of N-alkanes for Estimating Intake and Passage Rate in Horses
Authors: McLean B M L , Mayes R W , DeB Hovell F D
Published: November 2021

Alkanes occur naturally in all plants, although forage crops tend to have higher alkane contents than cereals. N-alkanes have odd-numbered carbon chains. They are ideal for use as markers in feed trials, because, they are inert, indigestible and naturally occurring, and can be recovered in animal faeces. Synthetic alkanes (even-numbered carbon chains) are available commercially and can also used as external markers. Dove and Mayes (1991) cite evidence indicating that faecal recovery of alkanes in ruminants increases with increasing carbon-chain length. Thus the alkane “pairs” (e.g. C35 & C36, and C32 & C33) are used in calculating intake and digestibility because they are long chain and adjacent to each other. However, recent work by Cuddeford and Mayes (unpublished) has found that in horses the faecal recovery rates are similar regardless of chain lengths.
Investigations on the use of the mobile bag technique in ponies
Authors: Hyslop J J , Cuddeford D
Published: November 2021

The mobile bag technique has been employed to study the small intestinal digestibility of feed components in ruminants and total tract digestibility values in pigs. This study reports some preliminary investigations on the use of mobile bags to estimate both total and partial tract digestibility values in ponies.

Four caecally fistulated Welsh cross pony geldings (approx LW 250 kg) were offered ad libitum grass hay (DM: 918, CP: 73, NDF: 716) plus 30 g/h/d of a horse mineral supplement. Mobile bags were prepared from monofilament polyester mesh with a pore size of 41 um using a commercial heat sealer and were used to estimate the feed constituent digestibility of a commercial horse concentrate (DM: 918, CP: 151, NDF: 403) in both the total tract and post-ileal segments of the ponies digestive tract.
Plasma metabolite and volatile fatty acid concentrations in sheep divergently selected for predicted carcass lean content
Authors: Bishop S.C. , Bracken J. , Cameron N.D. , Maclsaac K. , Noble R.C. , Speake B.K.
Published: November 2021

Blood measurements which can be taken on animals undergoing performance tests may be useful aids to selecting genetically superior animals. Possible useful measurements may be identified by correlated responses to selection, in selection experiments. This study investigates correlated responses in volatile fatty acids (VFAs) and blood metabolites, associated with growth and fat metabolism, in sheep selected for carcass lean content.
Genetic variation and relationship of ultrasonic measures and carcass composition in Suffolk cross lambs
Authors: Flamarique V.C. , Lewis R.M. , Simm G.
Published: November 2021

Excess fat in lamb is regarded as an important reason for less lamb meat being purchased by consumers. This has encouraged the development and use (particularly in Terminal Sire breeds) of selection indices that can identify animals that will sire leaner progeny. These indices usually include live weight and in vivo predictors of body composition, such as an ultrasonic measurement of muscle and fat depth, as selection criteria (Simm and Dingwall, 1989). But the usefulness of such in vivo measurements as predictors of carcass composition depends on the correlation between, and the variation in, live and carcass measures. The objectives of this study were to determine the strength of the relationship between ultrasound and dissection measures of carcass composition, and the degree of genetic variation in these measures, in crossbred progeny of Suffolk rams.
A comparison of the carcass composition of Texel lambs of different live conformation scores
Authors: Wolf B.T. , Jones D.A.
Published: November 2021

Conformation is often given high priority as a selection objective by pedigree breeders who consider this trait to be related to lean yield and distribution, despite experimental evidence to the contrary. The Texel crossbred lamb is known to have a high lean yield at a given liveweight and in considering the results of breed comparison trials Croston et al (1987) speculated that there may be variation between strains for this trait, possibly associated with differences in conformation. Support for this suggestion comes from the work of Leroy (1989) who reported that the Belgian Texel with a heavily muscled conformation (“double muscled”) had a higher killing-out proportion and lean yield than sheep with conventional shape. The aim of this trial was to investigate potential differences in the carcass traits of pure-bred Texel lambs of extreme versus conventional conformation
Lupins : Comparison with soya bean as a protein source for young beef cattle
Authors: Grundy H. F. , Chapple D. G. , Wheeler Karen P. A.
Published: November 2021

Recent work on the agronomy and the genetic make-up of a new strain of lupin, which could be grown on almost half the agricultural land in England and Wales, has resulted in improvements in the yield and protein content of lupins. The protein content of lupins, at 37 % of the dry matter, is higher than that of either peas or beans and therefore lupins could be an important source of home-grown protein. There is little information available on the potential of new strains of lupins as a protein source in the feed of ruminants, particularly in conjunction with forage maize.
The effect of different concentrates on the performance of Holstein-Friesian bull calves
Authors: Martin John , Caffrey P. J. , O'Mara F. P. , Brophy P. O.
Published: November 2021

In early weaning calf rearing systems, intake and nutritive value of the concentrate are the main determinants of performance. A possible way of increasing the nutritive value of concentrates is to increase the oil level, either by adding oil/fat or full fat oilseeds. An experiment was carried out to evaluate the effect on calf intake and performance of the addition of full fat rapeseed or full fat soyabean to a calf starter concentrate.
Optimising calf starter feeds before and after weaning
Authors: Newbold J.R. , Morris H.W. , Haggis N.G.
Published: November 2021

Calves are often offered the same starter feed both before and after weaning. Starters which promote high rates of intake facilitate earlier weaning (thus reducing milk replacer usage) but can impair feed conversion efficiency (FCE) after weaning (Newbold et al., unpublished).

The objective of this experiment was to compare a combination of an optimal pre-weaning diet and an optimal post-weaning diet with a conventional starter fed both before and after weaning. 'Optimal' diets had previously been identified as superior to the conventional starter in terms of either feed intake (pre-weaning) or FCE (post-weaning).
A comparison of breeds for UK veal production
Authors: Chapple D. G. , Davies M. H. , Pickard N.
Published: November 2021

The export of live calves to be reared for veal in Continental Europe has raised animal welfare issues for calves transported over long distances for finishing in continental production systems which use veal-crates. Veal production systems which are designed to be welfare-friendly, and do not involve the live export of calves from the UK could help to resolve current consumer objections, and also stimulate an increase in domestic veal production and consumption.

To compare the performance and suitability for veal production of three breeds of heifer calves, when reared in the UK on a welfare-friendly veal system.
Fat synthesis in different depots of cattle fed grass silage and dried grass diets
Authors: Greathead H.M.R. , Dawson J.M. , Sessions V.A. , Tye F.T. , Scollan N.D. , McAllan A.B. , Buttery P.J.
Published: November 2021

Cattle fed grass silage generally have higher fatrprotein ratios than cattle fed other forage-based diets. This has been shown to be at least partly due to impaired protein accretion (Gill et al., 1987). It is however unclear whether differences in fat accretion are also responsible. This experiment was designed to compare rates of whole body fat metabolism, rates of fat deposition and carcass composition between grass silage and dried grass diets fed over a range of ME intakes.
Effects of post-partum energy intake and calf isolation on follicle dynamics and post-partum interval of beef cows
Authors: Mackey D.R. , Diskin M.G. , Sreenan J.M. , Roche J.F.
Published: November 2021

Reproduction is the main factor limiting the production efficiency of beef suckler cows and the prolonged post-partum interval is a major factor contributing to this poor reproductive performance. This interval is determined by a number of factors of which nutrition and the suckling effects of a calf are the most important. The aims of this experiment were to determine the effects of energy level post-partum and suckling on the PPI of cows in a low to moderate body condition at calving
The effect of ad libitum feeding of a high fibre diet on the reproductive performance of gilts
Authors: Whittakera X. , Spoolder H.A.M. , Edwards S.A. , Corning S. , Lawrence A.B.
Published: November 2021

Ad libitum feeding of a high fibre diet may be instrumental in reducing the development of abnormal behaviours in group housed sows (Brouns et al.1994). However, although there may be welfare benefits associated with feeding sows in this way, such a feeding practice is unlikely to be adopted unless it is commercially viable. This study compared the reproductive performance of gilts fed a high fibre diet ad libitum throughout gestation, with gilts fed a commercial diet on a restricted level.
Effects of diet composition, feed enzymes and method of cannulation on faecal and ileal digestibility measurements in growing pigs
Authors: McCracken K J , Yin Y-L , McEvoy J , Schulze H
Published: November 2021

Whereas feed enzymes containing (β-glucanase give good responses in broilers and young pigs those in older pigs have been variable (Campbell and Belford, 1992). In commercial practice, bushel weight is frequently used as an indicator of quality. There are a range of methods for determining ileal digestibility of diets each of which has limitations (Fuller, 1991). Previously in our laboratory the 'T' cannula (T) method has been used, but the post-valve 'T' caecal (PVTC) cannulation method (van Leeuwen et al, 1991) appears to have a number of advantages. The twin objectives of this study were to study the effects of a feed enzyme preparation in two sources of barley of different bushel weight and to compare the T and PVTC methods with diets of differing fibre content.
The effects of rate of release of organic matter and nitrogen in the rumen on growth and metabolism of growing ewe lambs
Authors: Witt M.W. , Sinclair L.A. , Wilkinson R.G. , Buttery P.J.
Published: November 2021

Formulation of diets mat are synchronous for the hourly energy and nitrogen release in the rumen increase the efficiency of microbial protein synthesis (Sinclair et al,1993). However few trials have been conducted that have investigated whether this is translated into a whole animal production response. Rate of degradation of energy and nitrogen (N) components of feeds have been classified as fast, medium or stow (Johnson, 1976). Diets containing high proportions of quickly degradable nitrogen but low amounts of quickly fermentable carbohydrate result in an uncoupling of fermentation decreasing the efficiency of use of dietary nutrients (Rooke et al., 1987). The objective of the experiment was to study the effects of synchronising the rate of energy and nitrogen supply to the rumen in diets with two rates of carbohydrate release on growth and metabolism in ewe lambs.
Comparative digestibility and digesta flow kinetics in two breeds of sheep
Authors: Ranilla M.J. , Valdés C. , Giráldez F.J. , Carro M.D. , López S.
Published: November 2021

Recent studies carried out in cattle, sheep and goats have shown differences between both species and breeds of ruminants in digestive capacity, digesta flows and fermentation rates. Most of these differences are related to their feeding behaviour and digestive physiology and could affect digestive utilization of feeds. The aim of this work was to study the digestibility and digesta kinetics in the whole digestive tract in two breeds of sheep (Churra v. Merino).

Ten non-productive mature sheep (five Churra (mean LW= 44.3kgÂ±3.20) and five Merino (mean LW= 46.7kgÂ±2.22)) fitted with rumen cannulae were used in this study. Animals were fed once a day 1 kg of alfalfa hay (877 g DM/kg; 169 g CP/kg DM; 489 g NDF/kg DM).
A comparison of the effects of body condition and short-term food restriction on the feeding behaviour of sheep
Authors: Sibbald A.M.
Published: November 2021

Voluntary food intake is generally inversely related to body condition or fatness in mature sheep (Foot, 1972). Since the intake of pelleted diets by housed sheep consists of a number of discrete feeding bouts or 'meals' (e.g. Bermudez et al., 1989), the relatively long-term effect of body condition on intake will be achieved through changes in feeding behaviour at the level of a single meal. The aim of this experiment was to compare the effects of body condition and short-term food restriction on meal patterns in sheep, to investigate the mechanism by which body condition influences daily food intake.
The role of methionine and cystine in the growth and viability of secondary hair follicles of the Cashmere goat in vitro
Authors: Souri M. , Galbraith H. , Scaife J.R.
Published: November 2021

A supply of sulphur-containing amino acids is essential for the growth of hair fibre in animals.The main sulphur-containing amino acid quantitatively required for the synthesis of fibre protein is cystine or its monomeric form cysteine,which may be absorbed from the digestive tract or converted from methionine via the transulphuration pathway.The predominant sites of the transulphuration pathway in ruminants are the liver (Radcliffe and Egan,1978)and the heterogenous system in the skin (Downes et al,1964).The aims of the study were to determine the importance of the supply of cystine and methionine for the growth and viability of the cashmere secondary hair follicle in vitro and to investigate whether cystine could successfully be replaced by methionine in this homogenous system.
The effect of nose ringing of outdoor sows on foraging behaviour and pasture damage
Authors: Edwards S A , Anssems E , Horrell R I , Ness P A , Eddison J
Published: November 2021

Nose ringing of outdoor sows is widely practiced to reduce pasture damage, but may have both short and longer term implications for animal welfare. This study was carried out to assess the effectiveness of different forms of nose ring and the extent of behavioural modification which they caused.

Six groups of 5 sows were allocated between three treatments: unrung (U), rung with three traditional boss-rings through the upper rim of the nasal disc (TR) or rung with a single bull-ring through the nasal septum (BR). Groups were placed in adjacent paddocks on undamaged grass leys at a stocking rate of 38 sows/ha. Pasture damage was assessed weekly by measuring proportions of grass, bare earth and overturned earth in 20 half-metre square quadrats per paddock on a fixed sampling pattern.
Effects of food level and straw provision during pregnancy on sow performance and responses to an adrenocorticotrophic hormone challenge
Authors: Spoolder H.A.M. , Burbidge J.A. , Edwards S.A. , Lawrence A.B. , Simmins P.H.
Published: November 2021

In commercial practice, almost all pregnant sows are fed on restricted feeding regimes. Operant conditioning studies suggest that this results in the animals being food motivated for most of the day (Lawrence et at., 1988), a behavioural state which, in relatively barren environments, has been associated with the development of abnormal stereotypic behaviour (Spoolder et al., 1995). Straw provision reduces the development of stereotypies, possibly reflecting reduced (physiological) stress levels. In addition, it may result in lower nutritional requirements (Simmins et al., 1994).
The effects of production parameters on piglet mortality in an open farrowing system
Authors: Marchant J.N. , Corning S. , Broom D.M.
Published: November 2021

Public concern with intensive farming systems, particularly in the pig industry, has lead to legislation banning sow stalls and tethers and closer examination of the welfare aspects of confining the sow in a crate at parturition. In general, alternative systems have resulted in higher piglet mortality than farrowing crates. In any farrowing system, many different factors affect piglet mortality and in order for specific problems within the alternative systems to be identified and addressed, the exact causes and timings of piglet deaths need to be assessed. The objectives of this study were to determine which physical and performance characteristics of the sow and her litter influenced piglet mortality in a communal farrowing system during early lactation.
Effect of fish meal on digestibility in the rumen
Authors: Carro M.D. , Miller E.L. , Fabb O.C.
Published: November 2021

Some studies have shown that fish meal (FM) supplementation could result in an increased digestion in the rumen, with different levels of response with different FM (McAllan, 1991). The aim of the experiment was to study the effects of supplementation with two FM, having the same nitrogen content (113 g N/kg DM) but different N rumen degradability, on fermentation and duodenal flow of nutrients.

The study was carried out using six mature sheep fitted with rumen cannulae and single duodenal cannulae. Animals were fed 1 kg/d of a 60:40 hay:concentrate diet having a N content of 22 g/kg DM, either alone (Control; C) or supplemented with 40 g FM/d (FMl and FM2). The experiment was carried out over four periods of 14 days and in each period two sheep received each of the diets.
Effect of monensin on in vitro semi-continuous rumen fermentation in the rumen simulation technique (Rusitec)
Authors: Mackintosh E.D. , Phipps R.H. , Sutton J.D. , Wilkinson J.
Published: November 2021

Rusitec (Czerkawski and Breckenndge, 1977) lias been widely used to study factors which affect rumen fermentation such as monensin, monensin-propionate, abierixin, calcimycin and Aspergillus oryzae (Bogaert et al., 1990; Newbold et al., 1993). Monensin is a grain-positive ionophore which modifies rumen fermentation. The objective of the current study was to determine the effect of monensin on molar proportions of volatile fatty acid (VFA) produced from diets which varied in foragexoncentrate ratio.

Four Rusitec vessels (800 ml) were used in an extended Latin Square design with 2 blocks, 2 treatments and 3 periods, each lasting 14 days. To initiate each period, inocula was recovered from the same lactating Holstein-Friesian cow (∽650 kg). All vessels received 15 g DM/day of a complete diet which contained maize silage, grass silage, NaOH treated wheat grain and a protein supplement in three foragexoncentrate ratios; 25:75 (L), 50:50 (M) and 75:25 (H).
The effect of carbohydrate supplementation of grass silage on rumen microbial protein synthesis using rumen simulation continuous culture
Authors: Joo J.W. , Maeng W.J. , Cockburn J.E. , McAllan A.B. , Park H. , Scollan N.D.
Published: November 2021

Grass silage is considered to be asynchronous in the supply of energy and nitrogen to the rumen microbes. It is thought that this contributes towards the reduced quantities and efficiencies of rumen microbial protein synthesis frequently observed in animals feed on such diets (Beever, 1993). Additional energy from carbohydrates may help to ameliorate this situation. A rumen simulated continuous culture (RSCC) system was used to study the influence of supplementation of grass silage with various carbohydrate sources on rumen microbial activity.
The prediction of the in vitro cell wall degradability characteristics of grass silage by near infrared reflectance spectroscopy (NIRS)
Authors: Deaville E. R. , Givens D. I.
Published: November 2021

Information on the rumen degradation characteristics of various feed fractions including nitrogen (N) and cell walls (CW) is gained largely through the use of the in sacco procedure. While various in vitro techniques have been applied there is an urgent need for the development of rapid methods for predicting aspects of feed degradation. Near infrared reflectance spectroscopy (NIRS) has been widely applied as an accurate and rapid method of analysis. In the present experiment the ability to predict in vitro CW degradability (CWD) characteristics of grass silage (GS) was investigated using NIRS.
Use of an automated pressure evaluation system to measure the fermentable energy content of ruminant feedstuffs: additivity of estimates
Authors: Newbold J.R. , Baughan J. , Davies D.R. , Theodorou M.K.
Published: November 2021

The term 'fermentable metabolisable energy' (AFRC, 1992) has been criticised as an index of the supply of fermentable energy to the rumen because it has not been measured directly, is insensitive to rumen outflow rate and assumes fermentation of some nutrients which bypass the rumen (Newbold, 1994). One alternative is to describe the content of fermentable energy in terms of the amount of gas evolved during fermentation by ruminal microorganisms. The automated pressure transducer technique of Davies et al. (1995) has been applied to individual concentrate feedstuffs to provide an alternative database of fermentable energy content (Baughan et al., unpublished).
The effect of increasing substrate concentration on the gas production profiles of pure maize starch and milled, high temperature dried grass
Authors: Huntington J. A. , Givens D. I.
Published: November 2021

Theodorou et al. (1994) using a manual pressure transducer technique observed a linear response to substrate concentration (cone.) in gas production (GP; ml absolute) whilst lag time and rate of GP values remained constant. This experiment investigated the effect of increasing the cone, of maize starch (S) and milled (1mm) dried grass (DG) on the GP profile using an automated GP technique (Cone 1994).

Either 0.1, 0.25, 0.5, 1.0 or 2.0 g of S or DG were weighed into 250 ml bottles and pre-soaked with anaerobic buffer (85 ml). The bottles were connected to a data logger/pressure tranducer unit and gassed with carbon dioxide. Incubation (39Â°C) started ∽16 h later when strained rumen fluid was injected into each bottle (15 ml) and a data logger initiated. When GP had ceased the final pH of each bottle was measured and 25 ml of 1M H3PO4 added to stop further enzymic activity. DG bottles were filtered to determine organic matter (OM) residue and hence OM degraded (OMD).
Sodium hydroxide treatment of soybean meal and its effects on rumen fermentation, in vitro pepsin digestion and formic acid extractable protein content
Authors: Chen X.B. , Wang J.Q. , Shand W.J. , Ãrskov E.R.
Published: November 2021

One approach for effective use of dietary protein in ruminant feeding is to protect it from microbial degradation in the rumen. There has been that sodium hydroxide treatment reduces the degradation of soybean meal (SBM) protein in the rumen. This experiment was to investigate the effects of treating SBM with different concentrations and quantities of NaOH on the microbial fermentation and enzymatic digestion of the treated SBM.
Thermophilic endoglucanase as a potential enzyme catalyst for animal feed production
Authors: Parry N.J. , Owen E. , Beever D.E. , Bhat M.K.
Published: November 2021

In recent years enzymes have been used in increasing quantities by the animal feed supply industry for the production of both monogastric and ruminant animal feeds. The use of enzymes provides an effective biological way of improving the nutritional quality of cellulose and hemicellulose based feeds (Viikari et al., 1993, Millet et al., 1976). The present study involved the isolation and purification of an endoglucanase produced by Thermoascus aurantiacus with an emphasis on characterising heat stable enzymes which would have an obvious advantage in industrial processes, especially those involving pelleting of the final diet.
A comparison of the availability of copper in four whisky distillery by-products with that in copper sulphate for lambs
Authors: Suttle N F , Brebner J , Pass R
Published: November 2021

Whisky production generates fermentation and distillation residues of considerable nutritive value for livestock but when processing takes place in copper (Cu) vessels, by-products become so enriched with Cu that poisoning can occur in recipient animals. However, absence of Cu toxicity in studies with sheep given pot ale syrup, a distillation by-product, have inferred a low availability of the Cu contained. Since no quantitative estimates of Cu availability in distillery by-products have been published, these were sought and compared with those of cupric sulphate (CuSO45H2O).
The effect of diet asynchrony on portal-drained viscera metabolism
Authors: Scollan N.D. , Kim E.J. , Dhanoa M.S. , Gooden J.M. , Neville M.A. , Evans R.T. , Dawson J.M. , Buttery P.J.
Published: November 2021

Synchronising the rate of rumen breakdown and availability of dietary energy and nitrogenous components can improve the capture of rumen degradable nitrogen and improve the amount and efficiency of rumen microbial protein synthesis. It is not clear what influence rumen synchrony has on nutrient use by the portal-drained viscera (PDV). This experiment has examined the impact of feeding two diets formulated to be asynchronous or synchronous with respect to the potential hourly supply of energy and nitrogen to the microbial fraction of the rumen on portal blood flow, net flux of ammonia and urea across the PDV and arterial insulin concentrations.
Effect of gonadotrophin releasing hormone on pregnancy rate in sows
Authors: Peters A.R. , Mackinnon J.D. , Pitt R.
Published: November 2021

Embryo mortality is a major cause of reproductive loss in all the farm species (Bolet, 1986). Losses of a total litter by embryo mortality account for about 15% of all services but may be substantially higher in the summer months, particularly in outdoor systems (Love et al., 1993). There has been interest in the use of gonadotrophin releasing hormone (GnRH) in cows and sheep, both on the day of service and 12 days after, to improve pregnancy rates (see review by Peters 1996) with 10 -12% improvements being reported. The mechanisms of maternal recognition of pregnancy are different between pigs and ruminants, however, a pilot study was carried out to determine whether GnRH might have similar effects in the pig.
A comparison of methods of specifying stocking density for welfare and performance of finishing pigs on different floor types
Authors: Spoolder H.A.M. , Corning S. , Edwards S.A.
Published: November 2021

The Welfare of Livestock Regulations 1994 specify a system of increasing space allowance for finishing pigs based on a series of weight bands (Figure 1). The width of the bands in the regulations, especially at the higher weights, impose a certain degree of inflexibility on the management of finishing pig accommodation. An alternative approach to specifying space allowance is to relate it to average pig live weight at any given time using an allometric equation (Petherick and Baxter, 1981). Based on this, Edwards et al. (1988) proposed A(m2)=0.030*M0.67(kg), to optimise performance on slats. The present study compares space allowance increments following this equation with the bands of the regulations, and its interactive effects with floor type and bedding on the welfare of finishing pigs.
Changes of hindquarter metabolite uptake when turning from maintenance to fattening in Belgian Blue bulls double muscled type
Authors: Hornick J.L. , Van Eenaeme C. , Baldwin P. , Ledent A. , Istasse L.
Published: November 2021

Measurement of muscle metabolite uptake may be approached by the technique of arterio-venous differences across the hindquarter, which contains large proportion of muscle, especially in double-muscled cattle. Muscle is an important site of amino acid catabolism (Goldberg and Chang, 1978). The extent of amino acid degradation may vary according to the time after feeding (Weijs, 1993). The aim of this experiment was to assess the changes in the kinetics of metabolite uptake across the hindquarter in Belgian Blue bulls fattened after a period of maintenance.
Comparative protein and fibre degradation measured in situ in the caecum of ponies and in the rumen of steers
Authors: J.J Hyslop , N.S Jessop , G.J Stefansdottir , D Cuddeford
Published: November 2021

Previous work has shown that equids generally have lower apparent digestibilities in vivo compared to ruminants. This observation may be due to either; (1) higher rates of passage through the digestive tract of equids compared to ruminants; (2) less opportunity for absorption of microbial digestion end products following hindgut fermentation in equids compared to foregut fermentation in ruminants; or (3) to caecal and colonic micro-organisms in equids being less efficient at feed constituent degradation compared to ruminal micro-organisms. To test this latter possibility, this experiment examines the hypothesis that feed constituents will be degraded to a similar extent when exposed to either an equid hindgut or a ruminal foregut microflora for the same time periods.
Effect of long-term supplementation on animal performance of grazing ewes
Authors: Brusa C.M. , GirÃ¡ldez F.J. , Buratovich O.F. , Mantecón A.R.
Published: November 2021

Feeding management in grazing systems usually involves supplementary feeding during critical periods to increase the intake and prevent high losses of body reserves (Gunn et al., 1992; Castro et al., 1994). However, in grazing systems the response to additional fed can be erratic or inconsistent at medium or long terms. Therefore it is necessary a better understanding of the effects of supplementation to define feeding strategies. The present experiment was designed to examine the effect of supplementation of grazing ewes during two consecutive production cycles on animal performance.