bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reducing the psychological stress of slaughter-weight pigs at loading through targeted enrichment
Authors: Seddon Y. M. , Bleach E.C.L. , Amory J. R.
Published: June 2019

The psychological disturbance caused to pigs at loading is thought to be responsible for increased difficulty in handling and impaired well-being through associated rough handling and injury (Geverink et al., 1998). Environmental enrichment (toys and driving) has been shown to reduce the force required and the excitability of pigs driven through a chute (Grandin et al., 1986). The objective of the current study was to investigate whether it is possible to reduce the psychological stress of slaughter-weight pigs at loading by reducing the novelty of the loading process.
The comparison between nylon bag and gas production method, use of regression equations in determination of feedstuffs nutritive value
Authors: Mahdavi Ali , Nikkhah Ali , Alemi Fatemeh
Published: June 2019

The in situ technique forms the basis of many feed evaluation systems for ruminants. Although this method is widely used, the NBT is very laborious, time-consuming, and incubations and analyses of the feed residues often last several weeks. Therefore, several other techniques have been investigated to measure and predict ruminal degradation of various chemical components of feedstuffs. The aim of this study is to investigate the possibilities of estimating in situ degradation characteristics of DM, CP, ADF and NDF in several feedstuffs by gas production characteristics and chemical composition.
Effect of tannins in the fermentation of legume forages using a gas based method
Authors: Godoy P.B. , Bueno I.C.S. , Cabral Filho S.L.S. , Nozella E.F. , Castilho L.A. , Peçanha M.R.S.R. , Vitti D.M.S.S. , Abdalla A.L.
Published: June 2019

Legume forages are an important source of protein in ruminant feeding but some legumes contain anti-nutritional factors, such as tannins, which can interfere in fermentability. In vitro methods to determine quality of feeds are important to nutritionists. These methods are less expensive, less time consuming and allow more control of experimental conditions than in vivo experiments. The aim of this work was to evaluate the nutritive value of four Brazilian legume forages, with different tannin levels, using the in vitro bioassay technique.
Ruminal peptide and ammonia nitrogen concentrations in steers fed diets with different concentrate to lucerne hay ratios
Authors: Vakili Alireza , Danesh Mesgaran Mohsen , Valizadeh Reza , Moussavi Alireza Heravi , Nassiry Mohammad Reza , Hosseinkhani Ali
Published: June 2019

In ruminants, as much as 50% of the dietary crude protein can be converted to ammonia by ruminal microorganisms. A part of ammonia can be utilized as a bacterial nitrogen source; however, rates of ammonia production often exceed rates of ammonia utilization. Peptides are intermediates in the conversion of ingested protein to ammonia in the rumen and their accumulation depends upon the nature of diet (Mesgaran & Parker, 1995). The objective of the present experiment was to investigate the effect of diets differing in concentrate: lucerne hay ratios on the ruminal pH, ammonia-nitrogen concentration and ruminal peptide nitrogen concentration in Holstein steers.
Evaluation of some ruminant feedstuffs using gas production technique, in vitro
Authors: Sallam S.M.A. , Nasser M.E.A. , El-Waziry A.M. , Bueno I.C.S. , Abdalla A.L.
Published: June 2019

In Egypt, animals suffer from under feeding and mal-nutrition due to the shortage of local produced feed which are not sufficient to cover the nutritional requirements of animals. The annually amount produced of agro-by¬products in Egypt are around 2.5 million ton of rice straw and one million ton of sugarcane bagasse. These wastes are usually burned causing environmental pollution. The potential use of these wastes in ruminant ration will participate in reducing the shortage of feedstuffs and subsequently increase milk and meat production in Egypt. Gas measuring technique has been widely used for evaluation of nutritive value particularly to estimate agro-industry by-products, different feed classes and energy value of straws. Therefore, the main objective of this study was to assess the nutritive value of rice straw, date stone, sugarcane bagasse and berseem hay using the in vitro gas production technique.
Effect of phenolic compounds in oak leaves (Quercus spp.) and PEG on gas production technique in sheep
Authors: Yousef Elahi Mostafa , Rouzbehan Yousef
Published: June 2019

Oak trees (Quercus spp.) are the main source of animal feedstuff in the forest areas of Zagros mountain chain in Iran. The leaves of oak contain high level of tannins particularly hydrolysable, which causes mortality in ruminant animals (Makkar, 2003). Polyethylene glycol (PEG) can form a stable complex with tannins, preventing the binding between tannins and dietary proteins (Makkar, 2003). Little information is available on the nutritive value of Quercus species (Q. persica and Q. infectoria). This study, therefore, is evaluating the chemical composition, phenolic compounds, organic matter digestibility (IVOMD) and metabolisable energy (ME) of these species with or without PEG using gas production technique in sheep.
Effect of monensin and lasalocid on rumen fermentation in sheep
Authors: Hesni V. , Taghizadeh A. , Paya H. , Janmohamadi H. , Moghadam G.A , Pirani N.
Published: June 2019

Ionophores, consisting of monensin and lasalocid were reported to improve rumen fermentation and metabolism of ruminants when delivered in their respective proper dosage (Mass et al., 2001). However, the efficacy of ionophores in the manipulation of rumen fermentation has been shown to vary with diet. Ionophores may also inhibit ruminal amino acid deamination (Yang et al., 2003). The objective of this study was to determine of the effect of monensin and lasalocid on rumen fermentation characteristics.
Chemical composition of rice bran and fatty acid profile of the oil fraction
Authors: Fazaeli Hassan , Salimi-Vahid Mohsen
Published: June 2019

Rice bran is the most important by-product obtained during the rice milling process. The chemical composition of rice bran varies widely that is related to the milling system and management (Ravindran and Blair, 1991). Therefore, the terminology concerning rice bran is not consistent due to the lack of well-based definitions. Rice bran contains a considerable amount of crude protein and fat which, in many countries, is now being extracted to obtain a high quality of oil. The high fat in rice bran may create rancidity problems during storage in tropical climates. The bran also contains a lipolytic enzyme that becomes active when it is separated from the rice and rapidly increase the free fatty acid content but, the storage life of solvent-extracted bran is considerably longer than the un-extracted one (Warren and Farrel, 1990). In Iran, annually about 200000 tons of this by-product is available which is used as an animal feed without any extraction process. This study was conducted to study the chemical composition and fatty acids profile of the oil fraction in rice bran during the different seasons.
Chemical composition and in vitro digestibility of nine plant species from Semnan rangeland for camel in Iran
Authors: Towhidi Armin , Rostami Farnoush , Masoumi Reza
Published: June 2019

In Iran, Javan (2001) has reported the digestibility some arid rangelands plants by bovine rumen liquor. The determination of in vivo digestibility of wheat straw implies that camel apparently digested poor quality roughages more than cattle and sheep (Cianci et al., 2004). Therefore, It is required to measure the in vitro digestibility of herbages by camel rumen liquor. In province of yazd, nutritive value of 11 different plant species for camel were determined (Towhidi, 2007). The objectives of the current study were to determine 1) the chemical composition, gross energy of the most consuming plant species from rangeland of Semnan province including Seidlitzia rosmarinu, Tamarix tetragyna, Tamarix strica, Halostachys spp, Saudea fruticosa., Alhagi camelorum, Haloxylon ammondendron., Salsola arbescola, Hammada salicornica and, 2) in vitro digestibility of the plants by camel rumen liquor.
Energy balances of beef tallow and soyabean oil in broiler chickens
Authors: Wongsuthavas Sasiphan , Yuangklang Chalermpol , Mitchaothai Jamlong , Vasupen Kraisit , Beynen Anton
Published: June 2019

From previous reports indicate that broiler chickens fed diets enriched with polyunsaturated fatty acids have less abdominal fat or total body fat (Sanz et al., 1999) deposition than do broiler chickens fed diets containing saturated fatty acids. In general, body fat accumulation may be considered the net result of the balance among dietary absorbed fat, endogenous fat synthesis (lipogenesis) and fat catabolism via β-oxidation (lypolysis). Thus, if the amount of absorbed fat is the same, lower body fat deposition may be attributed to increased fat catabolism or diminished endogenous fatty acid synthesis or to both process. Differences in lipid oxidation rates seem to be the main mechanism involved in this effect. Supplementation of unsaturated fatty acids in diets can be enhanced fat catabolism and reduced fatty acid synthesis were reported to occur in rats fed polyunsaturated fatty acid rich in diets compared with rats fed diets enriched with saturated fatty acids (Crespo and Esteve-Garcia, 2002). Polyunsaturated fatty acids rich in diet effect on fat absorption were increased. In, contrast amount of abdominal fat deposition was decreased. It may be that the polyunsaturated fatty acid was higher rate fat oxidation or lower rate of fatty acid synthesis or both. The present study was undertaken to determine the effect of amount of beef tallow versus soybean oil absorbed is the same on energy intake, energy excretion, energy retention and energy expenditure of broiler chickens.
Precaecal crude and amino acid digestibility in the seeds of a tropical crop (Manihot esculenta) in broilers
Authors: Iyayi E. A. , Kluth H. , Rodehutscord M.
Published: June 2019

There is a growing interest in the use of lesser known plant seeds as sources of protein in monogastric feeding in the tropics. It is thought that the exploitation of novel seeds which are currently not utilized by man can contribute to the amelioration of the insufficient feed supply situation in tropical countries like Nigeria. The seeds of Manihot esculenta (Cassava) have the potential to complement the conventional plant protein in poultry diets. Lack of information on the nutritional quality and digestibility of the protein and amino acids in the seeds has caused a limitation in their use for poultry feeding. The objectives of this study were 1) to investigate the chemical and antinutritional constituents in the seeds of Manihot esculenta, and 2) to determine the precaecal digestibility of crude protein (CP) and amino acids (AAs) in the seeds with broilers and their effect on the performance of the birds.
Effect of broiler breeder age and glutamine on the development of the intestinal mucosa of chicks during the first week of the age
Authors: Dahlke F. , Maiorka A. , Fischer da Silva A.V. , Boleli I.C. , Macari M.
Published: June 2019

The effect of glutamine on the structure of the intestinal mucosa, after suffering any damage is raising interest due to the fact that this amino acid is the main metabolite which nourishes the enterocytes. Yet, the mechanism that promotes proliferation of the intestinal cells is not well known. It might be related with two events: increase of Na+/H+¨ exchange at the plasmatic membrane and increase of ornithine descarboxylase specific activity. Glutamine is also able to raise gene transcription, by increasing the activity of kinase protein which activates mitogenesis (Blikslarge et al., 1997). Chick’s weight is determinated by eggs initial weight. Older breeders produce bigger eggs which become chicks with higher weight at eclosion moment. In other words, higher consumption levels of protein at the beginning of laying, provide better albumen quality which becomes thicker, delaying oxygen exchanges, the absorption of yolk sac and embryo uptake of vitamins through egg yolk (Brake, 1995). As the embryo produces 90% of its energy from fat acid oxidative process, oxygen deficit would slow lipid oxidation and embryo development. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the development of the intestinal mucosa of chicks at 7 days of age, proceeding from breeders of different ages and fed with and without glutamine supplement.
Four statistical tests for detecting major genes in an Iranian pedigree chicken flock
Authors: Alijani Sadegh , Mehrabani Yeganeh Hassan , Nejati Javaremi Ardashir , Rahimi Ghodratollah , Janss L.L.G.
Published: June 2019

The objective of this research was to look for the evidence of segregating major genes in an Iranian pedigree chicken flock (Mazandaran station), using four statistical tests: Normality, Bartlett, Fain and Mixture tests for four economically important traits. These traits are age at first egg (AFE), body weight at the end of week eight (BW8), average egg weight (EW) and number of eggs laid during egg production period (EN).
The role of gene banks in conserving farm animal genetic resources
Authors: Roughsedge T.
Published: June 2019

The concept of conserving genetic resources was first introduced in 1928 by Vavilov, a Russian botanist who founded a plant genetic resources bank at the All-Union Institute of Plant Breeding, Leningrad (Simon, 1984). The issue was first raised by the animal production world in 1959 where a need to conserve animal genetic resources was expressed at a Joint Symposium on Germplasm Resources for plant and animal breeders in Chicago (Simon, 1984). The emergence of these ideas can be associated with the recognition of advances in animal breeding and reproductive technology leading to a small number of highly productive breeds taking a dominant position in the production process. Three main forms of conservation can be considered; (i) cyopreservation (gene bank); (ii) maintaining control populations (no selection); (iii) managing live animal populations. This overview will focus on the role that cyopreservation plays in conservation of animal genetic resources.
“Agriculture at a New Dawn: Food Security v Energy Security”
Authors: Gill B. N.
Published: June 2019

The Post War era has seen UK agriculture experience mixed fortunes. Following the scarred memories of food shortages farming experienced one of its regular cyclical booms in the sixties and seventies with guaranteed prices that pushed forward production to improve the level of self sufficiency demanded by the politicians. In continental Europe this encouragement was provided by the emerging Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) which Britain joined in 1973. The CAP promoted greater food production by different methods based on intervention buying at guaranteed prices when there were surpluses only to release the products back on the market at times of shortage. This system worked effectively while the periods of excess were smaller than the periods of surplus. The eighties saw the reversal of this pattern and the establishment of unacceptably high levels of intervention stocks of all major commodities. The system became unworkable and although the French and Germans fought to retain the status quo, the old CAP had become not only indefensible but critically not in the best interests of either consumer or farmer.
Robustness in dairy cattle
Authors: Veerkamp R.F. , Calus M.P.L. , Beerda B. , Ten Napel J.
Published: June 2019

Robustness can be defined as “the capacity to handle disturbances in common and sustainable, e.g. economically, systems”. To achieve a robust farming system, a broad perspective is needed (Napel 2005), but here we focus on genetic selection for robust cows and the origin of the need for such animals.
An investigation into the weaning practices used within the UK equine breeding industry sector
Authors: Febery E , Greening L
Published: June 2019

Weaning occurs during the development of the young horse, involving maternal deprivation, abrupt nutritional challenges and social changes (Nicol, 1999) in both the free-living and domestic horse. Both psychological and physical aspects of well being can be impacted on if weaning is received with a negative response by the individual (Hoffmanet al., 1995). Weaning can therefore evoke both short term and long term responses. Short term includes depressed immunity, inappetance and increased cortisol and adrenal responses. Long term changes include locomotory or oral stereotypies development (Waterset al., 2002), reduced ability to interact with other equines (Weekset al., 2000), and affects on the human-horse bond and trainability (Sondergaard and Ladewig, 2004). There is an abundance of research discussing the advantages and disadvantages of different foal weaning practices and which is best (Waranet al., 2008). Parkeret al., (2008) examined horse breeding management in Europe, North America and Australia. The USA sample population were weaned at a much earlier age with a greater percentage displaying abnormal behaviours. However there is little research to suggest which weaning methods, such as gradual or abrupt, are actively used or favoured within the horse breeding industry. The current study therefore sets out to investigate which method of weaning is most common within the UK equine breeding industry.
The effect of growth rate on age at first calving, fertility and milk production during the first lactation of Holstein-Friesian heifers on UK dairy farms
Authors: Brickell J S , Wathes D C
Published: June 2019

Rearing heifer replacements that reach first calving at an age and body weight (BW) to achieve their full lifetime potential, in terms of both yield and profitability, is a key factor in dairy enterprises. Rate of growth during the rearing period has a direct effect on age at first calving (AFC) (Heinrichs, 1993). It is widely accepted that the average daily gain (ADG) of Holstein-Friesian heifers should be approximately 0.7 kg/d before puberty, and 0.8 kg/d after. However, we have previously found extreme variability in the ADG of calves both within and between commercial dairy farms; this may in part be due to the very limited use of weight or height measurements on most farms. The aim of the present study was to determine the effect of growth rate during the first six months of life on AFC, and subsequent fertility and milk production during first lactation of Holstein-Friesian heifers on UK dairy farms.
Cost effectiveness of abating greenhouse gases from UK livestock systems
Authors: Wall E , McVittie A , Eory V , Moran D
Published: June 2019

Mitigating, or abating, greenhouse gases (GHG) from livestock systems can play a vital role in providing solutions to the UK’s climate change obligations. The main abatement options from the livestock sector, independent of grazing/pasture management, are through the efficiencies with which ruminant animals utilise their diet and manure management. Options include breed selection, through manipulation of dietary regimes or manure storage strategies. Attempts to abate GHG emissions should first target those abatement options that are cost efficient and this study estimates the cost effectiveness of selected options for the UK livestock sector.
The effect of level of dietary fish oil inclusion on intake and methane emissions of beef steers
Authors: Petrie K J , Hart K J , Callan J , Boland T M , Kenny D A
Published: June 2019

Irish livestock account for 0.55 million tonnes of methane (CH4) annually from enteric fermentation and manure management (EPA, 2006). However, recent studies have shown the potential to reduce ruminal methanogenesis through strategic dietary supplementation with polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA; Jordan et al. 2006). This is likely to be mediated, in part, through the unsaturated double bonds of PUFA acting as sinks for free hydrogen during ruminal biohydrogenation. Fish oil is acknowledged as the richest natural source of long chain n-3 PUFA such as eicosapentaenoic (EPA) and docosahexaenoic (DHA) acids (Ruxton et al., 2004). Despite this, there is little published information on the effect of dietary fish oil supplementation on in vivo ruminal methanogenesis in cattle. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of a novel concentrated n-3 PUFA fish oil, on the intake and CH4 emissions of beef steers.
Are Scottish Blackface ewes more resistant to nematode parasite infection than Greyface ewes?
Authors: Kidane A , Houdijk J G M , Tolkamp B J , Athanasiadou S , Kyriazakis I
Published: June 2019

The extent of periparturient relaxation of immunity (PPRI) to gastrointestinal nematode parasites is sensitive to metabolisable protein (MP) scarcity but also varies between breeds of sheep (Houdijk, 2008). For example, under ad libitum feeding, Scottish Blackface ewes had a lower extent of PPRI than Greyface ewes (Zaralis et al., 2008). Such between-breed variation in PPRI may not necessarily be associated with genetic resistance per se but could arise from a higher nutrient demand of the more productive Greyface ewes (Houdijk, 2008). This experiment was designed to test the hypothesis that if the extent of PPRI has only a nutritional basis, then the sensitivity of PPRI to MP scarcity will not differ between the breeds when MP feeding is adjusted for between-breed differences in MP demand.
Zinc oxide inhibits enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli K88 growth in culture and reduces the inflammatory response of porcine intestinal epithelial cells to infection
Authors: Sargeant H , Shaw M-A , Miller H M
Published: June 2019

Pharmacological levels of zinc oxide in the post-weaning piglet diet reduce the incidence and severity of diarrhoea, in particular that caused by enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) K88 (Owusu-Asiedu et al. 2003). A previous in vivo genomic study (Sargeant et al, 2008) identified several genes differentially expressed in the small intestine of ETEC-challenged piglets when fed a zinc oxide-supplemented diet. This included decreased expression of several genes involved in the inflammatory and innate immune response. It has been reported that ZnO reduces adhesion and internalisation of K88 to cultured human enterocytes, counteracting the up-regulation of inflammatory cytokines caused by ETEC infection. However, this effect was not due to growth inhibition of ETEC K88 in ZnO (Roselli et al, 2003). The objective of this study was to determine whether zinc oxide shows the same mode of action in protecting porcine intestinal cells against ETEC K88 as has been demonstrated in human cells, providing an explanation for in vivo findings.
Incidence of African swine fever and its socio-economic implications on pig production in Lagos state, Nigeria
Authors: Adesehinwa A O K , Saka J O
Published: June 2019

The significant contribution of pig production in the supply of high quality protein in Nigeria is evident in the rapid increase in number of pig farms witnessed recently. However, African Swine Fever (ASF) has since ravaged pig farms and consequently resulted in loss of farmers’ investments especially in some parts of the Southwest Agro-ecological zone of Nigeria (Majiyagbe et al., 2004; Otesile et al., 2005; Olugasa and Ijagbone, 2007). Putting the growth of the enterprise back on track requires proper assessment of the socio-economic environment surrounding the spread of the disease with the aim of determining the extent of infection, the consequences in terms of mortality of animals and loss of revenue alongside identifying farm specific factors that could have contributed to the spread. This study thus investigated the incidence of ASF and its socio-economic implications on pig enterprise in the zone.
An investigation on the effect of management factors and contemporary group definition on the genetic evaluation of Calving Interval in British Limousin cattle
Authors: Moore K , Coffey M P , Mrode R
Published: June 2019

Female fertility is an important component of a beef production system. In the British Limousin genetic evaluation there are several female fertility traits recorded (Coffey et al. 2007). Two of these traits are calving interval (CI) and age at first calf (AFC). In British beef breeds, Roughsedge et al. (2005) estimated moderate negative genetic correlations between CI and AFC; early maturing animals (low AFC) had longer CI because of genetic factors. However, it has also been suggested that management factors could be increasing the CI EBV of early maturing animals. For example, does the CI EBV account for heifer’s that calve early for the first calf, but then are not given the opportunity to re-mate when they first return to oestrus, and therefore, may have a longer raw CI record. There were two aims of this was work 1) to investigate if CI EBVs produced by the British Limousin genetic evaluation were affected by management decisions applied to early maturing animals (i.e. low AFC) and 2) to assess if reducing the season slice (i.e. reducing the chance of directly comparing early and late calvers) for the CI contemporary group (CG) improved the CI model.
The effects of herbage allowance and frequency of allocation to ewes in mid pregnancy on ewe and subsequent lamb performance
Authors: Keady TWJ , Hanrahan JP
Published: June 2019

Previous studies at this centre have shown that extended grazing ewes in mid (Keady et al., 2007, Keady and Hanrahan 2009b) late (Keady et al., 2007) or throughout (Keady et al. 2007, 2008, Keady and Hanrahan 2009a) pregnancy increased lamb birth and weaning weights relative to progeny from ewes which were housed unshorn. Stocking rate needs to be reduced dramatically to facilitate year round grazing (Keady et al. 2008) as herbage availability during early autumn (to prepare ewes for mating, finish remaining lambs and enable a sufficient proportion of the farm to be rested to build up sufficient herbage for extended grazing) is the major limitation (Keady and Hanrahan, 2007). Keady and Hanrahan (2009b) showed that increasing herbage allowance to ewes in mid pregnancy decreased herbage utilisation but increased forage intake, ewe condition and subsequent lamb birth and weaning weights. The aim of the current study was to evaluate the effects of herbage allowance and frequency of allocation to ewes in mid pregnancy on ewe and subsequent lamb performance. Furthermore the effects of extended grazing management on subsequent herbage yield and ground cover were also evaluated.
Effect of lipid-rich plant extract on the fatty acids composition and meat quality of Charolais × Friesian steers
Authors: Kim E J , Scollan N D , Richardson R I , Gibson K , Ball R , Coulmier D
Published: June 2019

Nutrition has a major impact on the fatty acid composition of beef, despite high levels of biohydrogenation of dietary polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) in the rumen (Scollan et al., 2006). The latter may be ameliorated by feeding rumen-protected lipid. Grass relative to concentrate feeding results in beef characterised by a higher content of n-3 PUFA and excellent colour shelf life. This study investigated the effects of including a PUFA-rich lucerne-based plant extract (PX) on the fatty acid composition and meat quality in beef.
Effect of processing of palm oil petiole on palatability in Bali cows (Bos sondaecus)
Authors: Afdal M , Syarif S , Kasim A
Published: June 2019

Palm oil petiole (POP) is a pruning by-product from palm oil plantations. POP is the stalk of the palm oil frond (POF) without the leaflets and the outer layer. By weight, it contributed about 30 percent of POF. POP was a possible alternative for POF in feeding Bali cows (Bos sondaecus) since Bali cows we observed to reject fresh POF. Central Bureau of Indonesian Statistics (2006) reported that the production of POF was around 10,869,365 t from around 3,682,900 ha of palm oil plantation in Indonesia which is equivalent to 3,260,810 t of POP. POF are successfully used as feed for Bos taurus and Bos indicus and there are a lot of studies being done, especially in Malaysia. Alimon and Hair Bejo (1995) reported that the chemical composition of POF is 47, 385, 787, 556 g kg-1 and 5.65 MJ kg-1 for crude protein (CP), crude fibre, neutral detergent fibre (NDF), acid detergent fibre (ADF) and metabolisable energy respectively. However, there is no information on the nutritive value of POP and its palatability in Bali cows. The aims of this study were to evaluate the nutritive value of POP, and palatability of POP types by Bali cows when processed in several forms.
Changes in lying behaviour and activity during the peri-parturient period in primiparous and multiparous Holstein dairy cows
Authors: Bowe S , Blackie N , Bleach E C L
Published: June 2019

The peri-parturient period is unsettling for dairy cows as they move from the dry period, through parturition, cow-calf separation and into the milking herd. The changes in physiological state, environment and social grouping through this period are likely to be particularly manifest in primiparous cows. Lactating dairy cows may be expected to spend up to 13.8 hours/day lying (Tucker and Weary, 2007), this has been shown to alter through the peri-parturient period (Huzzey et al (2005). The mean lying time for healthy cows at this farm was 11 hours day (Blackie et al, 2008).

The aim of the present study was to assess the changes in activity levels of first parity cows before and after calving as compared to their multiparous herd mates.
Is there a relationship between the behaviour of beef cattle and emissions of methane and ammonia from feedlot systems?
Authors: Muir S , Bai M , Loh Z , Hill J , Chen D , Naylor T , Griffiths D , Edis R
Published: June 2019

Associations between animal behaviour and emissions of methane (CH4) and ammonia (NH3) have been noted in studies of grazing cattle (Lockyer, 1997) and feedlot confined cattle (Harper et al., 1999, Flesch et al., 2007). Methane emissions have been predicted as being greatest during bouts of rumination (Harper et al., 1999) whereas the emissions of the indirect greenhouse gas ammonia tends to be low early in the morning but increasing rapidly in the early afternoon after which a rapid decline until sunset (Flesch et al., 2007). With the exception of Harper et al., (1999) there are few complete data sets that examine the interaction between animal behaviour and greenhouse gas emissions from intensive animal production systems. The current study aimed to investigate the relationship between animal behaviour and emissions of CH4 and NH3 in a beef feedlot system in northern Australia.
Effects of low protein diets on fat deposition in the whole body and within the muscle and subcutaneous adipose tissue of pigs
Authors: Stonehouse G G , Hughes S I , Hallett K , Stewart A , Wood J D
Published: June 2019

Protein is an expensive nutrient in pig diets and high protein diets lead to high N excretion, a source of pollution. Low protein nutritional strategies are therefore needed, but these often increase fat deposition. This study compared three nutritional strategies differing in protein and energy supply using genotypes with different propensities for fat deposition.
The use of glycerol in diets for finishing pigs
Authors: McCann M E E , Magowan E , Beattie V E , McCracken K J , Gordon F J , Scott M D , Robinson M-J , Bradford R
Published: June 2019

The production of fuel from renewable energy sources has generated increasing interest in recent years and biofuel production is being encouraged within the United Kingdom. If current government targets are to be met, approximately 2.7 million tonnes of oil seed rape are needed to supply biodiesel which will result in a significant amount of the by-product glycerol. Glycerol may be a useful source of energy in diets for pigs but there is limited research on the optimum level of inclusion, digestible energy (DE) content or on the effect on performance. Research by Mourot et al (1994) suggested that glycerol tended to reduce performance but significantly improved meat quality as assessed by drip loss. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of glycerol inclusion in finishing pig diets on performance and meat quality.
The effect of dietary regime and method of grouping on the variation in growth rate between pigs
Authors: Magowan E , McCann M E E , Beattie V E , McCracken K J , Bradford R , Scott M D , Robinson M-J , Gordon F J
Published: June 2019

A high degree of variable growth rate between pigs of the same age has been associated with overall poor herd performance and decreased profitability (Magowan et al., 2007). The aim of the current study was to reduce the variation in growth rate between pigs by grouping them in either uniform or mixed weight groups at weaning and offering them either ‘special’ or ‘normal’ dietary regimes during the post weaning and finishing periods.
The use of near infrared reflectance spectroscopy (NIRS) to predict the nutritive value of standard commercial diets for post-weaned pigs
Authors: McCann M E E , Park R , Hutchinson M J , Owens B , Beattie V E
Published: June 2019

In order to assess the nutritive value of pig diets, performance and digestibility trials must be conducted as there is no accurate alternative to predict nutritive value. However, the use of near infrared reflectance spectroscopy (NIRS) to predict performance from feed ingredients has been shown to have potential. Owens et al (2007) investigated the use of NIRS to predict the performance of broilers offered wheat-based diets, through scanning of whole wheat, and observed that NIRS accurately predicted liveweight gain and gain:feed. The aim of this study was to investigate if NIRS could be used to predict the performance of pigs, through scanning of the complete diet.
Associations between beef density by X-ray computed tomography, intramuscular fat and fatty acid composition: preliminary results
Authors: Navajas E A , Richardson R I , Glasbey C A , Prieto N , Ross D W , Hyslop J J , Simm G , Roehe R
Published: June 2019

X-ray computed tomography (CT) scanning makes use of the different rates at which the tissues attenuate X-rays depending on their densities. CT muscle density (MD) is the average pixel value for this tissue in the CT images and is related to real density of the tissue, which depends on its chemical composition. One of the components determining muscle density is intramuscular fat (IMF). Studies in sheep have shown that MD, measured in vivo, was phenotypically and genetically correlated to IMF and to fatty acid (FA) composition in Scottish Blackface lambs (Karamichou et al. 2006). Intramuscular fat and FA are important traits to measure due to their association with the nutritional value and eating quality of meat. A novel automatic image analysis for spiral CT scans (SCTS) of beef primal cuts allows very accurate estimations of primal cut and carcass composition with R2 of 0.90 to 0.99 (Navajas et al., 2008). The aim of this study was to investigate the associations of MD of beef primal cuts with IMF and FA profile in Aberdeen Angus (AA) and Limousin (LIM) cattle, based on the CT thresholds estimated as part of the development of the image analysis described by Navajas et al. (2008).
Influence of drinker design and position on the behaviour of growing pigs
Authors: O’Connell N , Magowan E , McCann M E E
Published: June 2019

A number of different drinker types are available commercially for pigs. These typically include drinkers where water is dispensed into a bowl or consumed straight from a water nipple. The design of drinkers may influence levels of competition at the drinker, and also levels of water wastage. This latter factor has adverse environmental implications and may arise from pigs switching between drinkers during drinking bouts, or using drinkers for ‘recreational’ purposes. The aim of this study was to assess behavioural differences at the drinker between pigs offered different types of commercially-available drinker.
Effect of a compensatory growth feeding regime on performance and gross carcass characteristics in growing / finishing pigs
Authors: Chaosap C , Parr T , Wiseman J
Published: June 2019

Compensatory (or ‘catch-up’) growth is an accelerated rate of weight gain in animals allowed ad libitum access to feed after a period of restricted feeding such that these animals reach the weight of those control animals fully fed (Critser et al., 1995). There are conflicting reports on the ability of pigs previously fed on a restricted basis to compensate completely in terms of performance and gross carcass characteristics once re-fed. The compensatory growth index (CDI) is calculated as the ratio of the difference between weight variation at the end of restricted and compensatory growth periods, respectively, relative to the variation at the end of the restricted growth period alone (Hornick et al., 2000) thereby indicating whether the animals have been able to compensate during the period of suggested catch up growth. The hypotheses of the trial reported were that animals re-fed following feed restriction would achieve the liveweights and gross carcass composition of a parallel control group fed ad libitum throughout.
On-line application of visible and near infrared reflectance spectroscopy to predict physical and sensory characteristics of beef quality
Authors: Prieto N , Ross D W , Navajas E A , Nute G , Richardson R I , Hyslop J J , Simm G , Roehe R
Published: June 2019

Visible and near infrared reflectance spectroscopy (Vis-NIR) has been widely used by the industry research-base for large-scale meat quality evaluation to predict the chemical composition of meat quickly and accurately. Meat tenderness is measured by means of slow and destructive methods (e.g. Warner-Bratzler shear force). Similarly, sensory analysis, using trained panellists, requires large meat samples and is a complex, expensive and time-consuming technique. Nevertheless, these characteristics are important criteria that affect consumers’ evaluation of beef quality. Vis-NIR technique provides information about the molecular bonds (chemical constituents) and tissue ultra-structure in a scanned sample and thus can indirectly predict physical or sensory parameters of meat samples. Applications of Vis-NIR spectroscopy in an abattoir for prediction of physical and sensory characteristics have been less developed than in other fields. Therefore, the aim of this study was to test the on-line Vis-NIR spectroscopy for the prediction of beef quality characteristics such as colour, instrumental texture, water holding capacity (WHC) and sensory traits, by direct application of a fibre-optic probe to the M. longissimus thoracis with no prior sample treatment.
Organoleptic properties of seasoned and unseasoned dry meat products from beef and camel meat
Authors: Olusola F Patience , Babatunde O Andrew
Published: June 2019

The dearth of animal protein in the diets of persons living in developing countries has been an issue of concern to Governments and individuals over the years. This is because what is obtained from the major sources of meat apply can no longer sustain the growing demand due to increases in human population (Vietmeyer, 1985). In order to bridge the gap between demand and supply of animal protein, preservations of meat is therefore very necessary. ‘Kundi’ is a dry meat product traditionally produced in the northern part of Nigeria. It is conventionally produced unseasoned from camel meat. Therefore the aim of this study is to improve on the traditional method, to increase the organoleptic properties and to produce ‘Kundi’ from other animal like beef.
Evaluation of techniques to predict the percentage lean meat of primal cuts from pig carcasses
Authors: Magowan E , McCann M E E , Moss B W , Kilpatrick D
Published: June 2019

Each primal cut of a pig carcass has a separate market and value. Commonly the degree of blemishes on the skin of the cut is the main determinant of its quality. However, the lean meat percentage of the primal cut is also of importance, especially to the consumer. If prediction equations were in place to enable processors to more accurately estimate the lean meat percentage of specific primal cuts, it would allow optimisation of primal cuts for specific markets or processing operations. The experiment investigated the accuracy of lean meat prediction equations for primal cuts using indicator cuts, grading probe data, data from photographic images and whole carcass lean meat percentage values.
Linear and quadratic models as predictors of dry matter production and nutritive value of pastures located in the central plateau of Mexico
Authors: Rayas-Amor A A , Dorward P , Rehman T , Mould F L , Castelan-Ortega O A
Published: June 2019

Approximately 80% of all production costs are related to the purchase of forages and other feeds in dairy enterprises in Mexico. Resource poor, smallholder (campesino) systems are heavily reliant on the use of maize stover, noncultivated/cultivated grass species and weeds to feed their dairy cattle, thus a nutritional understanding of local forage resources would be of considerable economic benefit. The objective of this study was to develop predictive models of herbage production and nutrient composition of four non-cultivated pastures (NcP), in order to minimise the cost of sample analysis and improve the utilisation of local forage resources in dairy enterprises.
Chewing behaviour of Holstein steers fed diets containing different levels of non-forage fibre in a low forage diet
Authors: Mojtahedi M , Mesgaran M Danesh , Moussavi A Heravi , Tahmasbi A
Published: June 2019

Sugar beet pulp (SBP) is fed to ruminants as a non-forage ﬁbre source (NFFS) ingredient. Early work by Ronning and Bath (1962) demonstrated that SBP was similar in feeding value to barley grain for lactating dairy cattle, supporting classiﬁcation of beet pulp as an energy concentrate. Sugar beet pulp contains approximately 40% neutral detergent ﬁbre (NDF) and is unique in its high concentration of neutral detergent soluble ﬁber, especially pectic substances (~25% of dry matter (DM)). However, the effects of SBP when substituted with different feed sources in ration are variable that depend on chemical composition, types and physical characteristics. The time which cows spent eating and ruminating (total chewing time) is a measure of the physically effective fibre value of a feed. The objective of the present experiment was to evaluate the effect of substitution of barley grain with SBP as a NFFS on chewing activity of Holstein steers.
Effects of feeding pistachio hull and interaruminal infusion of urea on feed intake, ruminal and abomasum N-NH3 and blood metabolites in Iranian Balochi sheep
Authors: Gholizadeh H , Naserian A , Valizadeh R , Tahmasebi A
Published: June 2019

Due to binding tannin with protein and cellulose, it was hypothesized that pistachio hull tannin can decrease the digestibility of protein and cellulose. Pistachio Hull (PH) is the main pistachio by-product produced from the pistachio dehulling process. PH contained 12.7, 5.7, 16.6, 25, and 20% ash, EE, CP, NDF, and ADF, respectively. The nutritional responses to high levels of dried pistachio by-product in the diet have not been clearly researched. The main objective of this experiment was to evaluate the effects of feeding pistachio Hull at high levels on feed intake, ruminal pH, N-NH3 and blood metabolites in Balochi sheep.
Evaluation of mathematical models to describe protein fraction degradation kinetics of various oilseed meals
Authors: Mesgaran M Danesh , Tashakkori T , Moussavi A Heravi , Mesgaran S Danesh , Vakili A , Aslaminejad A A
Published: June 2019

In situ procedure is a direct method of measuring the rumen degradation kinetic of a feed nutrient. Data obtained by this technique are generally analysed using an exponential curve (Ørskov and McDonald, 1979). However, very low attention has been paid to choice of mathematical model to fit the curves and goodness-of-fit of the model. Lopez et al. (1999) pointed out that the disappearance of some feed components, particularly structural carbohydrates, exhibits a larger variety of forms than for crude protein (CP). In the present study, two different mathematical models of a straight line or a negative exponential (France et al., 1990; and Ørskov and McDonald, 1979) were selected to evaluate in situ degradation kinetics of protein fractions including true protein (TP), neutral-detergent insoluble protein (NDIP) and acid-detergent insoluble protein (ADIP) of various oilseed meals (cottonseed meal (CSM), soyabean meal (SM) and rapeseed meal (RM)).
Ruminal crude protein degradability parameters of some feedstuffs using in situ technique
Authors: Besharati M , Taghizadeh A , Janmohamadi H , Moghadam G A
Published: June 2019

The in situ technique has been used widely for estimating ruminal nutrient degradation and to provide estimates of both the rate and extent of disappearance of feed constituents (Mehrez and Ørskov, 1977), because it is a relatively simple, low-cost method compared with methods involving intestinally cannulated animals. This technique provides a useful means to estimate rates of disappearance and potential degradability of feedstuffs and feed constituents. The technique involves suspending bags containing different feedstuffs in the rumen and measuring nutrient disappearance at various time intervals. Hence, it also may provide an advantage compared with laboratory methods because it involves digestive processes that occur in the rumen of a living animal; however, several factors affect estimates of nutrient digestion and need to be controlled for this technique to be standardised. Feeding by-products to dairy cows and other livestock will probably continue to increase in the future. By-product feeds fed to dairy cows and other livestock prevents a waste disposal problem for industry and reduces the amount of concentrate that must be included in the diet to ensure maximum animal performance. The object of this study was to estimate in situ crude protein degradability of dried grape by-product (DGB), noodle waste (NW), tomato pomace (TP), apple pomace (AP) and grape pomace (GP) using the in situ technique.
What has happened to the genetic merit of average UK Holstein cows over the last 24 years?
Authors: Pollott G E , Coffey M P
Published: June 2019

Genetic trends can be readily calculated from national genetic evaluation data. However, these reflect the combined decisions of all owners of recorded dairy cattle rather than a single policy followed on one farm over a long period of time. The Langhill herd maintained by SAC at its Crichton Royal Farm allows the study of the genetics of cows of average merit over a twenty-four year period.
The influence of thyme and pennyroyal essential oils, found to be effective as acaricides against the poultry red mite (Dermanyssus gallinae), on occurrence of taint in hens’ eggs
Authors: Smith T , George D , Sparagano O , Shiel R , Seal C , Guy J H
Published: June 2019

Conventional pest management (the use of synthetic pesticides) is being increasingly hampered by issues of pest resistance, tighter legislation and greater consumer demand for food stuffs produced in an environmentally friendly manner. A growing body of research suggests that essential oils may be of use as an alternative to synthetic products in managing the poultry red mite (Dermanyssus gallinae), a serious pest of egg production systems for laying hens (Kim et al., 2004). It is necessary to ensure that any essential oil recommended as an acaricide against this pest does not taint the eggs produced from hens in poultry units in which the oil would be deployed. The aim of the current study was to test the hypotheses that thyme and pennyroyal essential oils, having been found to be effective as acaricides for D. gallinae in preceding work, would have no effect on the occurrence of taint in hens’ eggs.