bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Measuring the Risk and Performance in Plantation Sector Using CAPM Based Jensen’s Alpha
Authors: Dayaratne DAI , Dharmaratne DG , Harris SA
Published: March 2010

This paper evaluates the company performance using the CAPM Based Jensen's Alpha. The CAPM of Sharpe (1964), Lintner (1965) and Mossin is a widely used model in modern Finance to estimate cost of equity and company performance. We carried out our study for ten plantation companies listed on Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE). We used cost of equity that is calculated using CAPM to determine the Economic Value Added (EVA).The EVA measures whether the companies have created shareholders' value during the estimating period. We selected the sample period of 2000 to 2005 years and we applied the monthly ending prices of common stocks of each company for the regression.  The monthly ending prices of All Share Price Index (ASPI) are used as the market proxy. To estimate the beta, we applied market model. It was found that almost all the companies have created value for their shareholders during the study period. To measure the market performance, we calculated Jensen's alpha for each company and according to Jensen's alpha we found that the market performance is not satisfactory in most plantation companies. These results are important for Corporate Managers undertaking risk calculations, for fund managers making investment decision and, amongst others, for investors who wish to assess value of their investments. DOI: 10.4038/suslj.v6i1.1690 Sabaragamuwa University Journal, vol 6, no. 1, pp 68-81
Managerial Deficiencies in the Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Sri Lanka: An Empirical Evidence of SMEs in the Ratnapura District
Authors: Priyanath HMS
Published: March 2010

This paper discuses the basic managerial deficiencies of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Sri Lanka with special reference to the SMEs in Ratnapura District. The study is mainly based on primary data gathered from 57 of SMEs, which were selected from 287 SMEs using stratified random sampling method. Data was gathered using a structured questionnaire and interviewing labourors, officers of various SME supportive organizations and observing SMEs. The study was supplemented with the data collected from secondary sources as well. Data was analyzed using qualitative and quantitative techniques. The study found that even basic management functions like planning, organizing, staffing, directing and controlling are not properly practiced in most of the SMEs. Most SMEs do not have clear plans for future development, production process, marketing, financial activities etc. Owners (entrepreneurs) of most of SMEs act as managers handling all the responsibilities, which are not delegated to others. Therefore, most of the SMEs do not function efficiently due to the delay of decision-making process, poor organization, poor staffing, weak controlling and directing. Financial management of most of the SMEs is found to be very weak. Most SMEs do not calculate total expenses, total revenue, profit etc, for they do not keep any account systematically. Most SMEs do not provide any welfare facilities and retirement benefits like EPF and ETF to encourage labourers. Poor production planning and production process, weak practices of marketing and poor quality of the products are the other deficiencies of SMEs. Performance of many SMEs is very poor due to the deficiencies in management. Poor knowledge in management of entrepreneurs causes the managerial deficiencies. Therefore, SMEs cannot judge problems and barriers coming from internal and external industrial environment.  The paper concludes that the growth of SMEs can be accelerated by developing managerial knowledge of entrepreneurs of the SMEs. DOI: 10.4038/suslj.v6i1.1692 Sabaragamuwa University Journal, vol 6, no. 1, pp 93-105
Bridging the Digital Divide by Building and Developing Wireless Community Networks in Rural Areas of Sri Lanka
Authors: De Silva Chandima H , Udugampola Revantha
Published: March 2010

This paper discusses how new and emerging wireless technologies could be deployed together with Open Source product lines in expediting the propagation of the ICT know-how in the rural as well as the suburban areas of Sri Lanka. The intention of the authors is to showcase a blueprint for using newer and emerging viable communication technologies in the rural context. Current internet distribution networks generally rely on a permanent, fixed and largely wired infrastructure that is owned and often operated by large entities such as telecom operators or an Internet Service Provider. A relatively new and emerging technology is wireless Ethernet or wireless networking using the IEEE 802.11 standard. This standard encompasses the lower layers of the OSI model for transport of data as Ethernet frames using a spread spectrum based radio link. This technology opens the possibility of building a network without having the problems associated with, and the cost of putting some sort of physical transmission medium in the ground. Instead, antennas can be used to send and receive data using radio waves through free air. Due to the relative simplicity of the currently available commodity hardware that uses IEEE 802.11 technology it is relatively easy to build a local wireless community network in a community township. Using this network people can share resources among each other and, more importantly, it would facilitate the adaptation of a highly collaborative environment forgoing the language barriers, which is regarded as a major cause of the ethnic conflict in Sri Lanka. DOI: 10.4038/suslj.v6i1.1693 Sabaragamuwa University Journal, vol 6, no. 1, pp 106-115
Introduction of Advanced Manufacturing Technology: a literature review
Authors: Gunawardana Kennedy D
Published: March 2010

This paper presents an overview and guidance for manufacturing companies which are preparing to invest in Advanced Manufacturing Technology (AMT). The purpose of this paper is to introduce AMT to Local context and explain the reasons why the company may encounter problems with adopting AMT. In addition to that, the author suggests many avenues to look at AMT applications and the many suggestions offered by the relevant literature for improving the performance of using AMT investment. Further, the research work here aims to assist managers to understand the benefits, types and investment of AMT and identify the problems in the local context. The author of this paper believes that proper understanding of AMT will encourage more firms to invest in AMT and to realize the benefits to make more contributions to society by improving world standard quality of product. DOI: 10.4038/suslj.v6i1.1694 Sabaragamuwa University Journal, vol 6, no. 1, pp 116-134
Reading Philemon as therapeutic narrative
Authors: Jordaan Pierre J. , Nolte S. Philip
Published: March 2010

This article analysed the different narratives implied in Philemon by utilising the narrative therapeutic approach, as developed by Epston and White (1990). A dominant narrative (the harsh treatment of slaves in the early Christian environment) and a challenging narrative (a more humane conduct of slaves) were clearly distinguished. The article showed Paul’s attempt to bridge the gap between these two narratives by using certain pointers, possibly taken from mystery religions and Jesus’ example. In conclusion, the narrative therapeutic approach proved to be a new and unique way of looking at Philemon’s narrative world.
Effects of a new sweetener, Stevia, on performance of newly weaned pigs
Authors: Munro P. J. , Lirette A. , Anderson D. M. , Ju H. Y.
Published: March 2010

Two-hundred and nine purebred Yorkshire newly weaned piglets were used to determine the effect of the sweetener Stevia (Stevia rebaudiana) at 83.3, 167 or 334 mg kg−1 diet on feed consumption (FC), average daily gain (ADG) and feed to gain ratio (F/G) compared with treatments with 5% sucrose and no sweetener (control; C). The Stevia-containing diets did not appear to have detrimental effects on the FC and F/G ratios of the piglets when compared with C. The results indicated only a limited potential for Stevia as feed additive for piglets. Key words: Sweetener, palatability, Stevia, weaned pigs
Histology of longissimus muscle from 2-week-old and 8-week-old normal and callipyge lambs
Authors: Carpenter C. E. , Cockett N. E.
Published: March 2010

There were no differences in proportion or sizes of myofiber types in longissimus from 2-wk-old lambs of the callipyge and normal genotypes. In 8-wk old lambs, the type I ovine myofibers were oxidative, the majority of type IIA myofibers were glycolytic, and the majority of type IIB myofibers were oxidative. Key words: Callipyge, lamb, muscle, histology
Inhibition of ruminant feed enzyme polysaccharidase activities by extracts from silages
Authors: Nsereko V. L. , Morgavi D. P. , Beauchemin K. A. , Rode L. M.
Published: March 2010

Extracts from 14 barley silages inhibited endo-1, 4-β-xylanase and α-amylase activities of a ruminant feed enzyme additive from Trichoderma longibrachiatum by 23 to 50% but had little effect on cellulase activity. The inhibitory factor(s) were <10 kDa in size and were stable to autoclaving. These observations may explain why feed enzymes are generally less effective when applied to silages than when applied to dry feeds. Key words: Silage, fibrolytic enzymes, Trichoderma, xylanase, inhibitors
Bone turnover in growing pigs fed three levels of dietary calcium
Authors: Larsen Torben , Fernández José A. , Engberg Ricarda M.
Published: March 2010

The effect of dietary calcium level on bone quality and quantity was evaluated in growing pigs by means of histomorphometric methods as well as basic bone parameters and chemical indicators of bone turnover in the blood. Thirty growing pigs were allocated to three levels of dietary calcium, 3.5, 9.4 and 16.4 g kg−1DM, respectively. Blood was drawn five times throughout 62 d and analyzed for Ca, P, hydroxyproline, alkaline phosphatase and 1-carboxy terminal telopeptide (1CTP). On days 50 and 60 of the experiment, oxytetracycline was injected i.m. and the animals were sacrificed on day 62. Transiliac bone samples were obtained, processed undecalcified and used in morphologic and morphometric analyses. Medium or high dietary calcium resulted in a higher retention of calcium, and more bone mass as indicated by a higher trabecular bone volume and a lower bone resorption. The mineral appositional rate in the bones was also higher in these groups, indicating a fast growth rate. Conversely, a low dietary calcium supply, resulted in lower overall calcium retention, lower bone mass, and a higher extent of resorption lacunae and osteoid extent and width. Higher remodeling activity and osteoid accumulation were due to deficient mineralization as indicated by a lower mineralization rate and prolonged mineralization lag time. Bone markers in the blood were only slightly affected by the dietary calcium differences. It was concluded that the medium level of dietary calcium was sufficient to sustain sound bone development. Key words: Histomorphometric analysis, bone formation, bone resorption, hydroxyproline, cross-links, mineralization
Effects of feeding modified tall oil and supplemental potassium and magnesium on growth performance, carcass characteristics, and meat quality of growing-finishing pigs
Authors: O'Quinn P. R. , Nelssen J. L. , Unruh J. A. , Goodband R. D. , Woodworth J. C. , Tokach M. D.
Published: March 2010

Eighty crossbred gilts (initially 45.9 kg) were allotted randomly to one of four dietary treatments by weight and ancestry. The trial was arranged as a 2 × 2 factorial with two levels of modified tall oil (MTO) (0 or 0.50%) and added K2SO4-2MgSO4 (0 or 2%), equating to daily K and Mg intakes of 10.84 and 7.75 g, respectively. The corn-soybean meal diets were fed in two phases [45.9 to 76.2 and 76.2 to 118.1 kg body weight (BW)], and supplemental K/Mg was added in place of corn for the final 7 d preslaughter (starting at 114.1 kg BW). Dietary treatment did not affect (P > 0.10) average daily gain (ADG), average daily feed intake (ADFI), or gain to feed ratio (G/F). Feeding MTO decreased average backfat (P = 0.05) and increased intramuscular marbling (P = 0.04). Modified tall oil increased (P = 0.02) percentage lean, and K/Mg supplementation lowered (P = 0.04) longissimus muscle glycogen content. Dietary treatment did not affect (P > 0.10) other carcass characteristics or measures of meat quality. Feeding MTO increased plasma glucose (P = 0.05) and decreased (P = 0.10) base excess in the extracellular fluid. Feeding K/Mg decreased (P < 0.10) plasma pH, BUN, and base excess in the whole-blood and extracellular fluid and increased (P < 0.10) ionized Mg++ and lactate. These results support earlier research identifying MTO as a carcass modifier and contributor to meat composition and quality. Potassium and Mg supplementation altered whole-blood profiles and longissimus muscle glycogen content in a manner expected to improve pork quality, although not observed. Key words: Swine, modified tall oil, potassium, magnesium, meat quality
Messenger RNA levels of growth factors, ligands, receptors, and proteins affecting lipid metabolism in pigs
Authors: Robert Claude , Palin Marie-France , Silversides Frederick G. , Mckay Robert M. , Pelletier Ghislain
Published: March 2010

The Northern blot technique was used for mRNA phenotyping of 19 growth factors, ligands, receptors, and proteins involved in lipid metabolism in two populations of pigs with different fat deposition capabilities. The mRNA levels were measured in backfat, liver, and muscle tissue at different slaughter weights, taking backfat thickness, gender and breed of the animals into consideration. Of all the RNA patterns measured in the Landrace population, only the mRNA transcript level of low density lipoprotein receptor-related protein (also called alpha 2-macroglobulin receptor) was associated with the pig's backfat thickness phenotype in muscle and backfat tissues. In the population composed of purebred Yorkshire and Hampshire, epidermal growth factor receptor, malic enzyme, platelet derived growth factor β and insulin-like growth factor binding protein 3 show different mRNA patterns associated with backfat thickness phenotypes. When analyzing the data using the gender or the breed as the main effect, the insulin receptor and insulin-like growth factor binding protein 1 were different between genders whereas insulin-like growth factor binding protein 3, malic enzyme, epidermal growth factor receptor and low density lipoprotein receptor-related protein were different between breeds. Analysis of this type should be helpful in understanding the regulation of fat deposition. Key words: mRNA levels, marker genes, backfat, pig
Comparison of the effects of monensin and decoquinate on feed intake and growth performance in dairy calves up to weaning age
Authors: Bagg R. , Vessie G. , Wilson J. , Dick P.
Published: March 2010

Holstein heifer calves (88) received 50 mg kg−1 of feed containing either monensin or decoquinate for 42 d prior to weaning. There were no significant differences between treatments in feed intake, weight gain or height gain, suggesting that monensin and decoquinate have equivalent effects on these parameters in pre-weaned dairy calves. Key words: Monensin, decoquinate, dairy calves
Manure production of first-litter sows fed a high-fibre diet during gestation
Authors: Robert S. , Farmer C. , Rushen J.
Published: March 2010

Urine and faeces production, water intake and body condition were investigated in 19 pregnant gilts fed a concentrated (CONC: 2 kg d−1, 2.2% CF) or high-fibre diet (HF: 3.6 g d−1 20.4% CF). Gilts fed HF drank less (P < 0.05) than CONC, but urine excretion did not differ significantly. More faeces were excreted by HF than CONC (P < 0.001), with similar dry matter contents. Total daily manure production, body weight and backfat thickness were similar among treatments. Key words: Fibre, sow, manure, urine, faeces, gestation
The influence of extruding corn grain in diets fed to Finn × Awassi crossbred ewes during late pregnancy on birth weight of lambs
Authors: Landau S. , Zoref Z. , Nitsan Z. , Madar Z.
Published: March 2010

As part of a program aimed at increasing lamb survival by maximizing lamb birth weight, the relationship between corn starch degradability in late pregnancy diets and lambing performance was studied in 60 Finn–Awassi ewes fed diets supplemented with 500 g d−1 of whole (WC), extruded (EC) or ground corn (GC). Lamb birth- weights ranked as follows: single lambs: EC > WC > GC (NS at 2nd parity, P < 0.10 at 3rd and higher parities); twin lambs: EC > WC = GC (P < 0.02 at 2nd, P < 0.07 at 3rd and higher parities). The ratio between birth weight of twin lamb litters and maternal weight measured 4 d postpartum in ewes at 3rd and higher parities was 25% greater in EC-fed ewes than in their WC- or GC-fed counterparts (P < 0.03). Colostrum accumulation prepartum was not affected by litter size or diet, but was higher (P < 0.04) in ewes from 3rd and higher parities compared with 2nd parity. Plasma NEFA (positive correlation) and insulin (negative correlation) concentrations on day 23 pre-partum, or plasma NEFA (positive correlation), insulin and glucose (negative correlations) concentrations on day 9 pre-partum, and ewe body weight at day 4 post-partum (positive correlation) explained 78% of variance in lamb birth weight (P < 0.0001). In conclusion 1) in prolific ewes at late pregnancy, highly degradable corn starch promotes better fetal growth than moderately degradable corn starch; 2) the positive correlation between NEFA and lamb birth weight, even in "overfed" ewes carrying single lambs indicates that maximal lamb birth weight is not likely to be maximized without some degree of maternal lipolysis. Key words: Sheep, birth weight, pregnancy, nutrition, starch, prolificacy
Facteurs génétiques et environnementaux affectant la qualité de la semence de jeunes taureaux Holstein
Authors: Diarra Moussa S. , Paré J. P. , Roy G.
Published: March 2010

Semen traits were measured from 294 young Holstein bulls between the ages of 10 and 18 mo. Bulls were sampled between the years 1987 and 1989 and the first four suitable ejaculates from each bull were retained for study. The season of the year, the year and the sire of each bull were used as factors and the age of the bulls and the inbreeding coefficient were used as co-factors for the analyses of variance and covariance. The sire effect was declared significant for the volume (P < 0.001), concentration (P < 0.05) and the number of motile spermatozoa per ejaculate (P < 0.001). Intraclass regression studies indicated that each increase of 1 d of age in young bulls increased the volume of the ejaculate by 0.004 mL, the concentration and the motility of the ejaculate by 0.024 × 108 spermatozoa mL−1 and 0.034% and the number of motile spermatozoa by 0.091 × 108 per ejaculate. A 1% increase in the inbreeding coefficient (F) decreased the motility of spermatozoa by 0.30% and the concentration of the ejaculate by 0.14 × 108 mL, resulting in a decreased total number of inseminations possible by 13.83 doses. It also increased the number of rejected samples by 0.25 and delayed sexual maturity by 3 d. Heritability estimates of semen traits varied from 0.25 and 0.79. The genetic and phenotipic correlations were respectively −0.72 and −0.47 for the correlations between volume and concentration, 0.140 and 0.07 between volume and motility and −0.22 and −0.01 between motility and concentration. Key words: Inbreeding, semen, bull, holstein
Analysis of the genetic relationship between litter size and weight traits in Segureña sheep
Authors: Analla M. , Muñoz-Serrano A. , Serradilla J. M.
Published: March 2010

A selection program is being implemented to improve meat production in the Segureña breed of sheep. Increasing litter size per ewe is the main objective, but possible repercussions on weight traits of lambs should be considered. The aim of this work is to determine the relationship between litter size and weight at birth, weaning and at 90 d. Records of 8117 animals, during 11 yr of production, taken from 1981 to 1991 in an experimental flock, were used to estimate heritabilities, repeatability, and genetic and environmental correlations by means of single-trait and multitrait linear models. Heritability estimates for litter size were approximately 0.08, and repeatability estimates were 0.14 and 0.11 for single-trait and multitrait models, respectively. Heritability estimates of weight traits obtained with single-trait and multitrait models were similar. Genetic correlations were 0.18 between litter size and birth weight, 0.48 between litter size and weaning weight, and 0.36 between litter size and weight at 90 d. Environmental correlations between litter size and weight traits were close to zero. Because genetic correlations between litter size and weight traits were all positive, no deterioration of breeding values of weight traits could be expected, when selecting for litter size. Key words: Sheep, weight, litter size, correlation, heritability
Serum clearance and urinary excretion of folic acid in milk-fed and weaned calves
Authors: Girard C. L. , Matte J. J.
Published: March 2010

Thirty male calves were assigned to treatments in a 2 × 3 factorial experiment in which the diet (exclusively milk replacers or dry feed) and the duration of the period of folic acid supplementation (no, short-term, i.e., 7 d before each period of evaluation of the folate status, or long-term supplementation, i.e., throughout the experiment) were the two main factors. During their first 4 mo of life, the folate status of calves was evaluated monthly. In milk-fed calves, erythrocyte concentration of folates increased with the duration of the supplementation (P = 0.008) but it decreased with age (P = 0.01). In weaned calves, it was similar for calves receiving no or a short-term supplementation but it was higher for those receiving the long-term supplementation and the decrease with age was more marked with this last treatment (supplementation × age, P = 0.01). Serum clearance of an i.v. bolus of folic acid was similar for milk-fed and weaned calves (P = 0.2), it was more rapid with age (P = 0.02), but it slowed down with the duration of the supplementation (P = 0.05). The percentage of the dose of folic acid injected i.m. recovered in urine was higher in milk-fed than in weaned calves (P = 0.0001) and it decreased with age (P = 0.0001). The present results suggest that the tissue demand for folic acid is high in preruminant and ruminant calves and it increases during the first 4 mo of life. Key words: Folic acid, serum clearance, urinary excretion, milk-fed calf, weaned calf
Ewe and lamb behaviour at parturition in prolific and non-prolific sheep
Authors: Fahmy M. H. , Robert S.
Published: March 2010

This study was conducted to investigate ewe and lamb behaviour at parturition in prolific and non-prolific sheep. Observations were taken on 16 Romanov (R), 16 Finnsheep (F) and 13 Suffolk (S) ewes at their first and second parturitions. Time intervals between displaying first signs of uneasiness and first contraction, rupture of foetal membranes bag and first contraction, sighting the first lamb and expulsion of the last lamb, and contact time between ewes and their litters were assessed and correlated with litter size, and litter weight at birth and at weaning. Romanov ewes had the largest litters (3.02), took longer to deliver (120.7 min), and interacted more with their lambs (30.9 min) after lambing. F and S ewes were similar in many behavioural traits despite significant differences in number and weight of lambs delivered. Prolific R and F ewes lambing single and twin lambs delivered them faster than S ewes with similar litter sizes. Duration of lambing was significantly correlated with ewe–lamb contact but only for the two prolific breeds (r = 0.51 and 0.76 for R and F, respectively). Ewe-lamb contact was also correlated with litter size (r = 0.83), litter weight at birth (r = 0.72) and at weaning (r = 0.47) but only in F ewes. For R, F, and S ewes lambing litters of one and two lambs, the average intervals between first sight of a lamb and its expulsion were 9.2, 20.8, and 25.8 min, the intervals between expulsion and standing were 37.0, 18.6, and 19.6 min, and between standing and suckling, 24.2,20.4, and 27.2 min per lamb, respectively. The average contact time between a ewe and each of her lambs was 13.1, 8.8, and 11.0 min, respectively. The corresponding intervals for R and F ewes lambing up to four lambs were 10.3 and 11.1, 43.3 and 21.4, 35.7 and 25.6, and 8.8 and 7.8 min (P > 0.05) per lamb, respectively. The data showed several differences between prolific and non-prolific sheep in behavioural traits at birth. Key words: Maternal behaviour: Lamb behaviour, Romanov, Finnsheep, Prolific sheep
Effects of diet, breed and slaughter endpoint on growth performance, carcass composition and beef quality traits in Limousin and Charolais steers
Authors: Mandell I. B. , Gullett E. A. , Wilton J. W. , Allen O. B. , Osborne V. R.
Published: March 2010

Ninety-six Charolais and Limousin steers were used to evaluate 75% grain (whole barley or corn) diets and two slaughter endpoints (7 mm backfat or 568 kg liveweight) in an experiment designed to constrain carcass weights to under approximately 341 kg yet produce optimal beef quality. Each breed was represented by eight progeny from each of six sires. The trial was terminated after 281 d feeding regardless of individual steers attaining designated slaughter endpoints. Limited availability of dietary energy in whole-barley diets resulted in decreased (P < 0.01) average daily gain and increased (P < 0.01) dry matter intake, feed/gain and days on feed for barley- vs. corn-fed cattle. Charolais outgained (P < 0.05) Limousin but dry matter intake was similar on a g BW00.75 basis. Feeding to 568 kg liveweight was associated with high (P < 0.10) ADG and decreased (P < 0.05) feed/gain compared with feeding to 7 mm. Corn feeding increased (P < 0.001) carcass weights, fat deposition and longissimus muscle area. Lean deposition was greater (P < 0.01) in Limousin than Charolais. Taste panel assessment of tenderness, flavour and juiciness in longissimus muscle was generally not affected (P > 0.10) by diet, breed or slaughter endpoint. Twelve primal ribs from each of Agriculture Canada's marbling classifications (A, AA, AAA) were purchased and processed identically to ribs from the test cattle. Shear and tenderness scores were similar (P > 0.10) across test cattle and purchased ribs, despite intramuscular fat contents of 20.2, 27.1, 35.6 and 49.7 g kg−1 respectively, for test cattle and trace, slight and small marbled ribs. Slight and small marbled ribs did have higher (P < 0.05) taste panel scores for initial juiciness and flavour than ribs from the test cattle. While 26% of carcasses from test cattle graded Canada B1 due to either inadequate finish or marbling, similar tenderness and shear scores were probably due to age of test cattle at slaughter which averaged 481 ± 45 d plus the fact that all roasts were aged 7 d prior to freezing. Key words: Charolais, Limousin, marbling, fatness, palatability, carcass weight, beef cattle, tenderness
Significance of endogenous gut nitrogen losses in the nutrition of growing pigs: A review
Authors: Nyachoti C. M. , Lange C. F. M. de , McBride B. W. , Schulze H.
Published: March 2010

During the past two decades endogenous gut N losses (ENL) at the distal ileum in the growing pig have received considerable attention in swine nutrition research. Estimates of ENL are important for determining true ileal N and amino acid digestibilities and for identifying means to improve the efficiency of N and energy utilization in growing pigs. Endogenous secretions originate from various sources including saliva, pancreatic secretions, bile, sloughed off epithelial cells, serum albumin and mucin. It has been estimated that 70 to 80% of endogenous N secretions are digested and re-absorbed. Therefore, ENL represents only a fraction of total endogenous N secreted into the gut. Increased ENL are likely associated with elevated rates of gut protein synthesis. This is bound to increase maintenance energy and amino acid requirements of pigs. Traditionally, ENL were determined by feeding protein-free diets or by the regression method. Various alternative techniques (15N-isotope dilution technique, homoarginine technique, enzymatically hydrolysed casein method) are now available to estimate the ENL in pigs fed protein-containing diets. Each of these techniques has some limitations and all require different assumptions. Results obtained with these alternative techniques indicate that the net ENL losses are much higher and more variable than previously estimated, and that they are affected both by animal and dietary factors. Recent estimates of ENL losses vary between 1.8 and 8.3 g kg−1 dry matter intake. The main factors (feed intake, body weight, content of anti-nutritional factors, fibres and [digestible] protein) that affect ENL and approaches (plant breeding and selection, ingredient processing and use of exogenous enzymes) to reduce ENL are discussed in this review. In addition, the metabolic costs associated with ENL are estimated. Key words: Endogenous nitrogen losses, growing pigs, metabolic cost, measuring techniques
Fattening heifers to heavy weights to enhance marbling: Efficiency of gain
Authors: Dubeski P. L. , Aalhus J. L. , Jones S. D. M. , Tong A. K. W. , Robertson W. M.
Published: March 2010

Feedlot performance and carcass composition were measured in two studies to evaluate the use of common Canadian breeds and nutrition programs for production of highly marbled beef for the Japanese market. Weaned heifer calves (n = 221, initial weight 265 kg) of Angus, Hereford, and Hereford × Angus (HA) breeding were slaughtered at 500, 590, and 680 kg in exp. 1. In exp. 2, yearling heifers (n = 216, initial weight 395 kg, same breeds as exp. 1 but including Holstein) were slaughtered at 590 and 680 kg. Cattle were randomly assigned to either a high plane of nutrition (HP) until slaughter or a moderate plane of nutrition to 500 kg (exp. 1) or 550 kg (exp. 2), followed by a high plane to slaughter (MHP). Mean days on feed, percent carcass fat, and percent intramuscular fat in longissimus muscle were 347 d, 38.6%, and 8.50% in exp. 1, and 281 d, 37.5%, and 7.87%, respectively, in exp. 2. In exp. 1, Herefords produced the most economical gains but the fattest carcasses (P < 0.05). In exp. 2, Holsteins had the most economical liveweight and lean carcass weight gains (P < 0.05). The cost of a percentage increase in intramuscular fat was lowest for Angus in exp. 1 (P = 0.05), similar for the breeds in exp. 2 (P = 0.29), and not affected by slaughter weight group. HP cattle gained liveweight, carcass, lean carcass, and intramuscular fat more economically than did MHP cattle (P ≤ 0.0002). The rate of deposition of intramuscular fat did not appear to increase with maturity. Feeding cattle to extreme slaughter weights using conventional feedlot diets produced extremely fat carcasses but did not produce highly marbled beef. Key words: Beef cattle, carcass, growth, intramuscular fat, marbling
Canadian, American, and Japanese carcass grades of heifers fed to heavy weights to enhance marbling
Authors: Dubeski P. L. , Jones S. D. M. , Aalhus J. L. , Robertson W. M.
Published: March 2010

Yield and quality grades were measured in two studies evaluating common breeds (Angus, Hereford, Hereford × Angus and Holstein) and nutrition programs for production of highly marbled beef for the Japanese market. Weaned heifer calves (n = 221, initial weight 265 kg) were slaughtered at 500, 590, and 680 kg in exp. 1. In exp. 2, yearling heifers (n = 216, initial weight 395 kg) were slaughtered at 590 and 680 kg. Cattle were assigned to either a high plane of nutrition (HP) until slaughter or to a moderate plane of nutrition until 500 kg (exp. 1) or 550 kg (exp. 2), followed by HP to slaughter (MHP). Carcasses were graded at the Japanese (6/7th rib) and Canadian/US (12/13th rib) grading sites. Extended feeding of heifers from the three beef breeds for 199 to 474 d and to slaughter weights up to 680 kg enhanced marbling at the cost of very poor USDA and Canada yield grades (extremely fat carcasses). Most carcasses had sufficient marbling to qualify for Canada AAA or USDA Choice quality grades, but only achieved average Japanese quality grades. Carcasses were frequently downgraded by the Japanese grading system because of coarse marbling texture, poor fat texture, and soft or coarse muscle texture, especially at the higher slaughter weights. Compared with the beef breeds, Holsteins produced leaner carcasses with at least as much marbling, and had superior Japanese quality grades, similar Japanese yield grades, and superior Canadian and US yield grades. However, carcasses with dairy conformation may be subjectively downgraded by grading systems in most countries, including Japan. Feeding early-maturing cattle high grain diets to excessive slaughter weights was not effective in producing beef with sufficient marbling to achieve the highest Japanese (5) or US (Prime) quality grades, but produced carcasses that were too fat for North American markets. Key words: Beef cattle, carcass quality, marbling, yield, grade
Eating behavior of lactating sows receiving growth hormone-releasing factor: effect of meal frequency and high-fiber gestation diets
Authors: Robert S. , Farmer C. , Matte J. J.
Published: March 2010

Forty-eight Yorkshire × Landrace gilts were used in an experiment with a factorial design (2 × 2 × 2). The treatments were control or bulky diet during gestation (4.1 vs. 15.3% crude fiber), the number of meals served daily in lactation (2 or 4) and three daily s.c. injections of saline or of 1 mg of a human growth hormone-releasing factor analog (GRF) from day 3 to day 29 of lactation. The animals were video-recorded for 30 s every 5 min over a 24-h period and observed continuously at feeding time at weeks 2 and 4 of lactation. Injections of GRF to lactating sows decreased the time spent eating after feed distribution (P = 0.007) but not eating frequency over 24 h. GRF-treated sows performed more oral non-feeding activities after feed distribution and over 24 h (P < 0.05). Sows fed four times a day spent less time eating and more time lying per feeding period than sows fed twice (P < 0.05) but the total eating time over the day was similar. Lying frequency did not decrease in GRF-treated sows fed at 23:15 h, contrary to saline-injected sows (P = 0.02). Feeding high-fiber diets during gestation had no effect on eating behavior during lactation. In conclusion, GRF injections during lactation modified the eating behavior of sows. However, using a bulky diet during gestation or increasing meal frequency during lactation did not counteract the decrease in eating time due to GRF. Key words: Meal frequency, fiber, growth hormone-releasing factor, eating behavior, sows
Nutrient composition, in vitro gas production and digestibility of fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) and alfalfa forages
Authors: Mir Z. , Acharya S. N. , Mir P. S. , Taylor W. G. , Zaman M. S. , Mears G. J. , Goonewardene L. A.
Published: March 2010

Nutritive value of forage from the annual legume fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) was evaluated by comparing its chemical composition, in vitro dry matter disappearance (IVDMD) and in vitro gas production with that of alfalfa. Samples of forage grown in a greenhouse or in field plots under irrigation were collected 9, 15, and 19 wk postseeding and nutritive quality was compared with alfalfa harvested at early-bloom. Greenhouse grown fenugreek-9 contained more ash than alfalfa cut at early-bloom, yet the IVDMD of fenugreek-9 was greater than that of the alfalfa. Total in vitro gas production was generally greater for alfalfa than fenugreek; however, lag time prior to initiation of gas production was shorter for alfalfa than fenugreek. Greenhouse grown fenugreek-15 or -19 contained less CP than alfalfa, while the NDF content of fenugreek-19 was highest. The IVDMD of fenugreek-15 and -19 were greater (P < 0.05) than for alfalfa. Total in vitro gas production was similar for all forages. The rate of gas production was slower (P < 0.05) for fenugreek-19 than for alfalfa. Fenugreek-9 harvested from field plots contained higher (P < 0.05) CP than fenugreek-15 and -19 and alfalfa. Protein content of fenugreek-19 was similar to that of early-bloom alfalfa (P > 0.05), while NDF and ADF contents of fenugreek-9 and -15 were lower (P < 0.05) than alfalfa. Total in vitro gas production of fenugreek-19 was similar to that of alfalfa even though the rate of gas production was slower for fenugreek-19 than for alfalfa. Volatile fatty acids production and composition were generally similar for fenugreek-15 or -19 and early-bloom alfalfa. The estimated DM yield of fenugreek-19 from plots was approximately 10.4 t ha−1. These results suggest that the nutritive value of fenugreek biomass regardless of its stage of growth, is at least comparable to that of early-bloom alfalfa and so it has potential as a forage crop. Feeding trials with cattle are still required to determine intake and utilization potential of this crop. Key words: Alfalfa, fenugreek, IVDMD, in vitro gas production
Whole canola/pea and whole canola/canola meal blends in diets for broiler chickens 1. Evaluation of steam-pelleting or expansion processing
Authors: Fasina Y. O. , Campbell G. L. , Tyler R. T.
Published: March 2010

Whole canola blended with whole peas (1:1; WCP) or canola meal (3:1; WCC) provide complementary high energy-protein supplements for poultry feeding. Both WPC and WCC blends were fed with or without processing (steam-pelleting or expansion) to broiler chicks in a 14-d feeding trial. Pelleted WCP supported higher body weight gain and feed efficiency than the untreated blend (P < 0.05). Body weight gain and feed efficiency obtained with chicks fed pelleted WCP or WCC were similar to those obtained for the expanded blends (P > 0.05), with notable exception of the expanded WCC which had a lower feeding value. With the pelleted or expanded blends, protein digestibility, N-retention, fat digestibility, and AMEN were comparable or improved over the unprocessed blends, again with the exception of the expanded WCC. The processed blends had higher gelatinized starch, and lower protein solubility and myrosinase activity index. Protein solubility was very low for the expanded WCC, which is indicative of excessive heat damage. Although the expanded blends had lower glucosinolate content, this did not result in improved growth performance over the pelleted blends. It was concluded that the nutritional value of pelleted blends were at least equivalent to that of the expanded WCP and WCC for broiler chicks. Key words: Canola, peas, broiler chicks, expansion, pelleting
Comparison between steeping and pelleting a mixed diet at different calcium levels on phytate degradation in pigs
Authors: Skoglund Erika , Larsen Torben , Sandberg Ann-Sofie
Published: March 2010

The degradation of phytate (inositol hexaphosphate) in the stomach, small intestine and colon was studied in 36 female pigs. A comparison was made between steeped (9 h, room temperature, feed:water 1:2.5) and pelleted diets with or without calcium carbonate supplementation (12.5 g kg−1). The diet was composed of barley, rapeseed cake and peas in the proportion 70:15:15. Dietary and intestinal content of phytate and its hydrolysis products (inositol penta-, tetra- and triphosphates) were determined using HPLC ion-pair chromatography. Steeping the feed for 9 h at room temperature reduced the phytate content by 45% and increased the amount of free phosphorus threefold. Pelleting the diet reduced phytate content by 7%. Supplementation with Ca decreased dietary phytate reduction. Steeping of the diet reduced ileal phytate content by 40% compared with pelleting. Apparent phosphorus absorption from ileal digesta was 10% lower when pigs were fed the pelleted diet, as compared to the steeped diet. Calcium carbonate supplementation impared inositol hexaphosphate degradation in the colon of pigs, but did not affect phytate degradation in the stomach and small intestine. Calcium carbonate supplementation, moreover, depressed apparent P uptake in the stomach/small intestinal region, as well as in the total gastrointestinal tract, for all feed treatments. Key words: Phytate degradation, inositol phosphates, steeping, pelleting, calcium, pigs
The effects of feeding high fiber canola meal on total tract digestibility and milk production
Authors: Mustafa A. F. , Christensen D. A. , McKinnon J. J.
Published: March 2010

Two studies were undertaken to evaluate the nutritive value of high fiber canola meal (HFCM) relative to regular canola meal for ruminants. In the first study, 21 growing lambs were utilized in a randomized complete block design to determine the total tract digestion coefficients of dry matter (DMD), crude protein (CPD), gross energy (GED), neutral (NDFD) and acid (ADFD) detergent fiber and the digestible energy (DE) contents of seven dehydrated alfalfa-based diets containing 0, 250, 500 and 750 g kg−1 HFCM or canola meal. In the second study, the effect of feeding HFCM as a protein supplement to dairy cows relative to canola meal and soybean meal (SBM) was examined in a triple 3 × 3 Latin square design. Results of the first study showed that HFCM had lower (P < 0.05) DMD, CPD, GED and DE contents than canola meal. The estimated DMD, CPD and GED and DE contents for HFCM were 674 and 795 g kg−1, 695 kJ MJ−1 and 13.68 MJ kg−1, respectively. The corresponding values for canola meal were 707 and 841 g kg−1, 727 kJ MJ−1 and 14.10 MJ kg−1, respectively. Results of the second study showed that protein supplement source had no effect on DM intake, milk yield, milk fat g kg−1, lactose g kg−1 and total solid g kg−1. However, cows fed HFCM- and canola meal-based diets produced milk with lower (P < 0.05) protein content than those fed the SBM-based diet. It was concluded that HFCM had lower total tract nutrient digestion coefficients and DE content compared with canola meal. Incorporation of HFCM in dairy rations up to 100 g kg−1 of the ration had no adverse effect on milk yield or milk composition compared with canola meal. Key words: High fiber, canola meal, total tract digestibility, lactation
Increased feed allocation does not stimulate increased ovarian development or increased egg output in 54-week-old broiler breeder hens
Authors: McGovern R. H. , Renema R. A. , Robinson F. E.
Published: March 2010

Fifty-four-week-old breeder hens were either feed restricted to meet target weight or over-fed by 10 or 20 g daily for 8 wk. Overfeeding increased body weight and breast muscle weight, but did not affect fat pad weight, ovary morphology or egg output. The consequences of over feeding old breeder hens are not as severe as has previously been reported with young hens. Key words: Broiler breeders, feed restriction, ovary morphology, egg production
Effects of source of forage and level of concentrate on chewing activity and milk production response in late lactation cows
Authors: Okine E. K. , Khorasani G. R. , Kennelly J. J.
Published: March 2010

Four cannulated Holstein cows in late lactation were used in a 4 × 4 Latin square design experiment to determine the effects of forage source with different NDF concentrations and level of concentrate on chewing activity and milk production. Diets were 65% first-cut alfalfa silage with 54% NDF and 35% concentrate, 50% alfalfa and 50% concentrate, 65% bromegrass silage with 65.5% NDF and 35% concentrate and 50% bromegrass silage and 50% concentrate. Diets were fed in 2 × 2 factorial design (silage sources, alfalfa vs. bromegrass and two levels of concentrate, 35 vs. 50%). Dry matter intake averaged 15.2 kg d−1 and was not affected by either forage source or level of concentrate. Intake of NDF was lower for the cows fed the alfalfa-based diet vs. bromegrass silage but the level of concentrate did not affect NDF intake. Time spent eating was not affected by either forage source or concentrate level of the diet. Time spent eating and ruminating kg−1 NDF intake was higher for cows fed alfalfa-based diets than for cows fed the bromegrass-based diets. Total chews g−1 NDF intake tended (P = 0.06) to decrease when cows were fed bromegrass-based diets but eating and ruminating chews g−1 NDF intake were not affected by source of forage or level of concentrate in the diet. Diets with either alfalfa or bromegrass had no effect on daily yields of milk, FCM, fat, protein and lactose. Diets with 50% concentrate increased milk and FCM yields by 11 and 14%, respectively. Fat and lactose yields were also increased by 17 and 11% in cows fed diets with the higher concentrate level. Results suggest that chewing activities during eating and ruminating phases of the eating cycle adjusted for DMI may decrease with increased concentrate level and are not affected by source of forage in the diet. However, chewing activities adjusted for NDF intake are influenced by source of forage but not by level of concentrate in the diet. The results also suggest that yields of both milk and milk components in late lactation cows are influenced by level of concentrate in the diet, while only milk components are affected by source of forage. Key words: Dairy cattle, chewing activity, forage, milk production
Activity of intestinal mucosal membrane carbohydrases in cattle of different breeds
Authors: Mir P. S. , Bailey D. R. C. , Mir Z. , Jones S. D. Morgan , Douwes H. , McAllister T. A. , Weselake R. J. , Lozeman F. J.
Published: March 2010

A study was conducted to determine differences in length of intestinal villi and crypts and activity of mucosal carbohydrases of several breeds of beef cattle. Tissue samples, from three locations in the small intestine, were obtained from heifers and steers of Wagyu (W) × Angus (W × A), W × Hereford (W × H) and W × Holstein (W × O) crossbred cattle and from Holstein, Parthenais and Piedmontese steers at slaughter. In W × A cattle villi were shorter and crypts were longer (P < 0.05) than in cattle of other breeds. Mucosal protein concentration was highest (P < 0.05) in the mid- and distal intestinal regions in the W × A cattle. Maltase activity was highest (P < 0.05) for W × H heifers and least (P < 0.05) for W × A heifers in the proximal intestinal region. Holstein and Piedmontese steers had the highest ADG, and Holstein steers had the highest lactase activity in the mid-intestinal region. Lactase activity in the mid-intestinal region appeared to be weakly associated with ADG of cattle (r = 0.454, P = 0.015, n = 28). These data suggest that differences due to breed of cattle exist in villus and crypt lengths and mucosal carbohydrase activity; however, the influence of these intestinal parameters on cattle performance may be relatively small. Key words: Intestinal villi, crypt, cellobioase, maltase, lactase, beef cattle