bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Individual intake of mineral and molasses supplements by cows, heifers and calves
Authors: Cockwill C. L. , McAllister T. A. , Olson M. E. , Milligan D. N. , Ralston B. J. , Huisma C. , Hand R. K.
Published: March 2010

In two pastures, two multiplex radio frequency (RF) mineral feeders (GrowSafe Systems Ltd.) equipped with load cells were used to monitor feeder attendance and individual intake of mineral by 33 and 36 cow-calf pairs individually identified by RF transponders. A visit was defined as a return to the feeder after a 5-min absence. In exp. 1, attendance of cows and calves at the feeder and intake of mineral were monitored over 13 d. Sodium chloride was included in the mineral at 9.8% (low salt, LS) on days 1 to 6, and at 22.5% (high salt, HS) on days 7 to 13. Percentages of cows and calves that visited the feeder were similar between LS (60.9% and 21.7% respectively) and HS (62.3% and 24.6%). Number of visits (P > 0.05) and daily mineral intake (P < 0.1) were reduced in cows fed HS as compared with LS. Cows had more visits (P < 0.001) and consumed more mineral (P < 0.001) than did calves. In exp. 2, HS as is (control, C) or formulated to contain 0.468% fenbendazole (FB) was provided for 6 d to 36 and 32 cow-calf pairs in adjacent pastures. All of the cows and 93.8% of the calves attended the FB feeder; whereas only 77.8% of the cows and 33.3% of the calves attended the feeder containing C. Fenbendazole increased visits per day (P < 0.05) by both cows and calves. Intakes of FB and C did not differ, but cows consumed more (P < 0.001) mineral than did calves. In exp. 3, variability in intake of protein-molasses blocks by cows and heifers was examined. Intake differed by animal (P < 0.01), but was similar between cows and heifers. Individual average intake was 445 g d−1 with a range of 0 to 1650 g d−1. These experiments demonstrate that universal and uniform consumption of an additive in mineral or molasses supplements by individuals in a herd cannot be assumed. Key words: Free-choice mineral, molasses, individual intake, cow, calf, fenbendazole
Hormonal changes in gilts receiving bromocriptine orally during gestation
Authors: Horth S. , Farmer C.
Published: March 2010

Pregnant gilts received a placebo (CTL; n = 7) or 10 mg of bromocriptine orally (Bromo; n = 7) thrice daily from days 70 to 107 of gestation. Blood profiles of prolactin (PRL), growth hormone (GH) and cortisol were obtained on day 70, after the first treatment with bromocriptine, and on day 107 of gestation. On day 70, concentrations of PRL, GH and cortisol were not affected (P > 0.1) by bromocriptine. By day 107, bromocriptine decreased concentrations of PRL (P < 0.01) whereas concentrations of GH and cortisol were not affected (P > 0.1). Results indicate that long-term treatment with bromocriptine inhibits PRL secretion without affecting GH and cortisol concentrations, while no changes are present within 8 h of initial treatment. Key words: Gilt, gestation, bromocriptine, prolactin
Effects of rearing conditions on behavioural and physiological responses of pigs to preslaughter handling and mixing at transport
Authors: Jong I. C. de , Prelle I. T. , Burgwal J. A. van de , Lambooij E. , Korte S. M. , Blokhuis H. J. , Koolhaas J. M.
Published: March 2010

The physiological and behavioural responses of slaughter pigs reared in either a barren environment or in an enriched environment (larger pens with straw bedding) to preslaughter handling and mixing at transport were studied. Enriched-reared pigs had higher salivary cortisol concentrations in the home pen before and after transport than barren housed pigs, but at the end of the lairage period salivary cortisol concentrations did not differ between enriched- and barren-housed pigs. In pigs reared in a barren environment, salivary cortisol concentrations increased significantly after transport and being in lairage, as compared to home pen salivary cortisol concentrations. In pigs reared in an enriched environment, salivary cortisol concentrations did not significantly change after any stage of preslaughter handling and transport as compared with home pen salivary cortisol concentrations. In the truck, pigs reared in a barren environment tended to spend more time walking, standing and manipulating other pigs than enriched-reared pigs. Moreover, pigs reared in a barren environment tended to spend more time walking and fighting in lairage than enriched-reared pigs. Results showed that rearing conditions may affect the behavioural and physiological responses of pigs to preslaughter handling and mixing at transport. The tendency for increased manipulation of pen mates and fighting, and the significant increases in salivary cortisol in response to mixing at transport and being in lairage in pigs reared in a barren environment indicate that pigs reared in a barren environment are likely to experience more stress during common preslaughter procedures than pigs reared in an enriched environment. Key words: Behaviour, cortisol, housing conditions, pigs, slaughter
Genotypic differences in chemical composition and ruminal degradability of oat hulls
Authors: Thompson R. K. , Mustafa A. F. , McKinnon J. J. , Maenz D. , Rossnagel B.
Published: March 2010

A study was conducted to determine differences in chemical composition and ruminal degradability of oat hulls derived from ten oat varieties. Hulls derived from AC Assiniboia had a lower (P < 0.05) acid detergent lignin (ADL) and a higher (P < 0.05) in vitro dry matter disappearance (IVDMD) relative to the other nine varieties. Effective ruminal degradability of neutral (NDF) and acid (ADF) detergent fiber for AC Assiniboia hulls were higher (P < 0.05) than those of Calibre hulls and similar to those of Calibre straw. Key words: Oat hulls, chemical composition, ruminal degradability
Intestinal development of early-weaned piglets receiving diets supplemented with selected amino acids or polyamines
Authors: Ewtushik A. L. , Bertolo R. F. P. , Ball R. O.
Published: March 2010

Early-weaned piglets are subjected to various environmental and nutritional stresses that can result in overall poor performance. Several amino acids associated with the urea cycle have been shown to be critical to intestinal development and metabolism. The objective of this research was to examine performance and intestinal development in early-weaned piglets receiving diets supplemented with selected amino acids or polyamines. Forty-two Yorkshire piglets (3.94 ± 0.43 kg) weaned at ~12.5 d were randomly assigned to diets supplemented with either arginine, glutamate, citrulline, ornithine or polyamines, at levels of 0.93, 6.51, 0.94, 0.90 and 0.39%, respectively. Diets were fed for 12 d and various parameters to assess growth and intestinal development were measured. Glutamate supplementation enhanced both total and mucosal growth in several sections of the small intestine (P < 0.05), whereas polyamines were detrimental to intestinal growth. Arginine and glutamate supplementation prevented weaning-induced villus atrophy in the duodenum, compared with both the control and polyamine-fed pigs (P = 0.004). These results indicate that glutamate and arginine supplementation may enhance intestinal development of the early-weaned piglet, whereas polyamine supplementation at the ratios and concentrations used in this experiment is not recommended in typical early-weaned piglet diets. Key words: Early-weaning, amino acids, piglet, polyamine, small intestine, development
Investigation of preferential treatment for milk yield in Canadian Holsteins
Authors: Graham N. J. , Smith C. , Gibson J. P.
Published: March 2010

Milk production data collected from 1980 to 1986 for Holsteins in Canada were examined for evidence of preferential treatment of cows. Herds were split by milk-recording organization and within organization into Embryo Transfer herds, Bulldam herds, and other herds. Cows were classified as registered or grade within herds. Within-herd coefficients of variation were calculated for all herd-years and were generally higher for Bulldam herds. Cow estimated transmitting abilities (ETA) for milk yield were regressed on dam ETA and sire ETA to compare the regression coefficients with the theoretical regression coefficients and to examine the residuals. Residual variances increased with predicted ETA in all the sets of other herds and in ET herds located in Ontario. There was little evidence of effects due to preferential treatment. Frequency distributions of deviations from herd-year-season mean were calculated separately for grade and purebred cattle within lactation number and herd type. All distributions except for grades in Bulldam herds were significantly lepto-kurtotic (P < 0.01). There was little difference in distributions of grades and purebreds. No evidence of effects which could be caused by preferential treatment was obtained by these methods. Key words: Preferential treatment, genetic evaluation, dairy cattle
The prepartum sow: Consequences of stimulation with ACTH or a synthetic glucocorticoid, with observations on the liver carbohydrate metabolism of its neonates
Authors: Bate L. A. , Grimmelt B.
Published: March 2010

Twelve pregnant sows were used to determine the influence of prenatal stimulation of the adrenal glands with ACTH and the use of a synthetic glucocorticoids on the liver carbohydrate metabolism of their neonatal pigs. On the 105th day of gestation the sows were randomly assigned to one of the three following treatments: Isoflupredone injection and either ACTH or saline infusion. The sows' cortisol increased (P < 0.05) in response to ACTH but not to isoflupredone. Glucose levels remained constant in all groups. Body weight was reduced (P < 0.05) in piglets born to ACTH-treated sows but not in those treated with isoflupredone. ACTH treatment resulted in a reduction of body:liver weight ratio in the piglets and increase in total phosphorylase activity. Phosphorylase activity was further increased by 6 h (P < 0.05). Liver glycogen and glucose were similar in all groups at birth and only glycogen decreased by 6 h (P < 0.05). Thus, it is concluded that elevation of cortisol through maternal stimulation with ACTH produces a piglet which, although lighter at birth, has a lower body:liver weight ratio and a more active glycogenolytic mechanism. It is possible, therefore, that these physiological phenomena may play a successful role in maintaining neonates active until suckling. Key words: Cortisol, liver, glucose, piglet, ACTH, isoflupredone
Preparturient diabetogenesis in primiparous gilts
Authors: Schaefer A. L. , Tong A. K. W. , Sather A. P. , Beltranena E. , Pharazyn A. , Aherne F. X.
Published: March 2010

The objective of the present study was to examine gestational diabetogenic effects in lean gilts and the influence that dietary protein may have on glucose tolerance, reproductive performance, maternal insulin and progesterone levels. Twenty-six Lacombe gilts (14 control, 12 treated) and 229 neonate offspring were examined. During gestation all gilts received a 13% crude protein balanced diet on the basis of body weight. The treated animals received the same diet plus an additional 1.3 g kg−1 body weight d−1 of casein starting on day 1 postcoitus. No differences in litter size or birth weight between treatments were observed. However, the proportion of mummified or still-birth fetuses, while within a normal range, tended to be higher (P < 0.10) in control (1.64 ± 0.43 per litter) than in treated pigs (0.58 ± 0.46). In addition, the muscle protein concentration in the neonatal offspring of treated gilts (91.3 ± 0.35 mg g−1) tended to be higher (P = 0.15) than that seen in the control animals (88.7 ± 0.34 mg g−1). All pregnant gilts, irrespective of treatment, displayed a degree of diabetogenesis two weeks prepartum (P ≤ 0.05). However, no differences in blood insulin or progesterone levels were observed between treatments. The data suggest that protein supplementation to the dam may slightly retard gestational onset diabetogenic effects but has only moderate effects on fetal outcome. Key words: Diabetogenesis, lean gilts, dietary protein
The effects of steam-pressure treatment, pelleting and ammoniation on the feeding value of sugarcane bagasse for cattle
Authors: Horton G. M. J. , Pate F. M. , Pitman W. D.
Published: March 2010

Digestibility, intake and performance trials were conducted with cattle to evaluate the effects of physical and chemical treatments on the nutritive value of sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum) bagasse. The four treatments in the digestibility trial were: 1, untreated raw bagasse; 2, steam-pressure treatment with a continuous flow digester (SP); 3, steam-pressure treatment plus pelleting (SPP); 4, steam-pressure treatment, 3% anhydrous ammonia and pelleting (SPA). Steam-pressure treatment and pelleting, both with and without ammoniation, increased voluntary feed consumption (P < 0.01) by 80% and 36%, respectively. Apparent digestion coefficients for organic matter, crude protein, cellulose, neutral and acid detergent fiber were not affected by steam-pressure treatment, but were reduced (P < 0.05) when this was followed by pelleting. Sixty Brahman crossbred steers (340 kg) were allotted to 12 groups of five animals (three pens per treatment) and fed one of the treatment diets for 100 d. The four treatments were: 1, cottonseed hulls; 2, pelleted raw bagasse; 3, SPP bagasse; 4, SPA bagasse. Average gains (kg d−1) and feed-to-gain ratios for the four diets were as follows: 1, 0.91 and 8.78; 2, 1.10 and 8.39; 3, 1.12 and 7.72; 4, 1.15 and 7.98. Treatment means did not differ (P > 0.05). SPP bagasse was compared with bermudagrass pellets and corn silage in growing diets for cattle. Ninety-six Brahman crossbred steers (167 kg) were allotted to 12 groups of eight animals (four pens per treatment) for 134 d. SPP bagasse pellets depressed gains and feed conversion ratio (P < 0.05). Gains (kg d−1) and feed-to-gain ratio for SPP bagasse pellets, bermudagrass pellets and corn silage diets were 0.42 and 12.90, 1.02 and 7.65, and 0.94 and 5.87, respectively. This investigation demonstrated that feeding pelleted bagasse at 15% of the diet did not reduce performance of finishing cattle fed a high-grain diet. However, when growing cattle were limit-fed a grain-based supplement with free access to bagasse pellets, bermudagrass pellets or corn silage (approximately 70% of the diet), gains and feed efficiency were significantly (P < 0.05) lower on the bagasse diet. Key words: Sugarcane bagasse, steam-pressure treatment, ammonia, digestibility, cattle performance
The effects of hay and silage on growth and rumen function in young Holstein calves
Authors: Bush Roy S.
Published: March 2010

Newborn calves were fed one of four different roughages (timothy hay, alfalfa hay, grass silage or two parts grass silage mixed with one part alfalfa hay) and a starter ration to a maximum of 2000 g d−1 beginning at 10 d of age along with whole milk to weaning at 28 d of age to measure the effect of forage type and method of conservation on voluntary intake and animal performance up to 112 d of age. Rumen fluid was sampled to determine whether the type of forage had a measureable effect on some gross parameters associated with rumen development. Forage dry matter became a larger proportion of total feed consumed as the animals became older. Overall alfalfa hay and silage:alfalfa mixture were consumed more than timothy hay (P < 0.01). Calves fed silage:alfalfa grew more rapidly than those fed timothy (P < 0.01). These differences were attributable to differences in forage protein and plant cell wall material. The differences in rumen fluid volatile fatty acid composition, pH, or in vitro gas production were found for treatments in only two sampling periods. In the 3rd period, gas production was more rapid from alfalfa hay than from silage (P < 0.05) and in the 4th period, pH was greater for alfalfa hay than timothy hay (P < 0.05). Rumen pH increased in the 3rd and 4th periods (P < 0.01). The acetate:propionate ratio increased over time when the propionate values decreased from the 2nd to the 3rd period (P < 0.01) and acetate values increased from the 3rd to the 4th period (P < 0.01). Silage was equal to hay in terms of consumption, animal performance and those rumen fluid parameters examined and can be fed to young calves without any anticipated problems. Key words: Silage, hay, rumen, development, methane, calves
Measurement of endogenous fecal excretion and true absorption of selenium in dairy cows
Authors: Koenig K. M. , Shelford J. A. , Buckley W. T.
Published: March 2010

A method combining balance techniques with an estimate of endogenous fecal selenium (Se) was evaluated as a measure of Se absorption in dairy cows. Endogenous fecal Se was estimated based on tracer enrichment in an index tissue (or fluid) that was assumed to represent enrichment of all endogenous sources of fecal Se. Two nonlactating Holstein cows fed a low-Se diet (0.035 mg Se kg−1 dry matter) were administered 4 mg Se-76, intraruminally, each day for 5 d (days 1–5). After a 10-d equilibration period, total collections of feces and urine were made at 24-h intervals for two 5-d periods (days 16–20 and days 21–25). On day 26 the animals were sacrificed and samples of all major tissues were collected. Samples were analyzed for total Se and Se stable isotope ratios. Selenium-76 enrichment was similar in tissues considered to be contributors to endogenous fecal Se, which supported the assumption that an index tissue could be used to estimate endogenous fecal excretion of Se. Endogenous fecal Se estimated from tracer enrichment in serum and liver was 22–36% of the total fecal Se excreted. True Se absorption was 10–16% of the daily Se intake. Key words: Selenium, stable isotope, tissue distribution, endogenous excretion, absorption, dairy cows
Survey of cholesterol level of commercial eggs produced on Canadian farms
Authors: Chung Siew Lian , Ferrier L. K. , Squires E. J.
Published: March 2010

A survey of the cholesterol levels of eggs from White Leghorn hens from across Canada was performed. High-performance liquid chromatography was used for cholesterol analysis. The cholesterol concentrations were found to range from 12 to 15 mg g−1 yolk, and the mean value for all eggs was 13.0 mg g−1 or 221 mg egg−1. Large eggs (35 out of 56) contained an average of 214 mg cholesterol egg−1. The effect of farm on cholesterol concentration (mg g−1 yolk) was significant (P < 0.05) and in most cases sample variation (P < 0.05) was found within each farm. Cholesterol content (mg egg−1) correlated positively with hen age, egg weight and yolk weight and negatively with dietary protein and fat. However, correlation of cholesterol concentration (mg g−1 yolk) with the above variables was not significant (P < 0.05). Selection of eggs for lower cholesterol content appears impractical under commercial operating conditions at this time. Key words: Cholesterol, Canadian, chicken egg
Supplementation of a low protein diet in an attempt to optimize egg mass output
Authors: Summers John D. , Atkinson J. L. , Spratt D.
Published: March 2010

Pullets were brought into production on a low-protein corn, soybean meal diet to which various nutrients including essential amino acids, choline, corn oil and feathermeal were supplemented. Production commenced between 18 and 20 wk of age and up to at least 60% production, hens fed the low protein diets (10% CP) produced at least as many eggs and as great an egg mass as these given a 17% protein corn, soybean meal control diet. Pullets fed the corn, soybean meal test diets, peaked at around 80% as compared to slightly over 90% for the control. Egg production immediately fell for birds fed the test diets to around 70% for most of the test treatments. Body weight remained constant or fell after peak production for birds fed the test diets as compared to a normal increase for birds on the control diet. Egg size increased for the test diets at a rate which was comparable to that of the control birds. In a second experiment, with older hens, supplementation of the 10% protein test diet with methionine, lysine, arginine and tryptophan, resulted in intakes of these amino acids which met NRC minimum requirement levels. However, egg mass output was reduced approximately 11% compared to the 17% protein control diet. While intakes of several essential amino acids fell below requirement levels, the degree that valine was calculated to be deficient in both experiments corresponded closely with the reduction in egg mass output of hens fed the test as compared to the control diet. Key words: Lysine, methionine, egg weight, body weight, hens.
The influence of purified porcine relaxin on the reproductive performance of sows following artificial insemination with fresh or frozen semen
Authors: Thacker P. A. , Gooneratne A. D. , Kirkwood R. N.
Published: March 2010

Pregnancy rates and litter sizes following insemination of sows with fresh-extended and frozen-thawed semen averaged 71 vs. 53% and 10.6 vs. 4.4, respectively, and was not affected by the addition of 12.5 μg relaxin to semen. These results indicate no relaxin mediated effect on either pregnancy rate or litter size when sows are artificially inseminated with relaxin-supplemented semen. Key words: Artificial insemination, relaxin, sows
The rate and extent of silage nitrogen degradation in the rumen as influenced by wilting and duration of regrowth
Authors: Makoni N. F. , Shelford J. A. , Fisher L. J.
Published: March 2010

The effect of duration of regrowth and wilting on silage crude protein fractions and rumen degradability of the crude protein were studied. The wilted silages had undergone more extensive proteolysis resulting in reduced hot water insoluble nitrogen. A large proportion of the silage crude protein was rumen degradable. The rates of degradation of the insoluble but degradable crude protein were not affected by wilting or the duration of regrowth. The results obtained indicate that wilting to only moderate dry matter appears to differ in its effect than wilting to higher DM. Key words: Silage, wilting, regrowth, nitrogen rumen, degradation
The influence of premating feeding level and exogenous insulin on the reproductive performance of sows
Authors: Kirkwood R. N. , Thacker P. A.
Published: March 2010

At weaning (day 0), 120 mixed parity Yorkshire × Landrace sows were allocated in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement to be fed a 16% crude protein diet at either 1.8 or 3.6 kg d−1 until breeding and to receive either no insulin or insulin (0.75 IU kg−1) on days 1–4, inclusively. There were no significant effects of dietary or insulin treatments on days to rebreeding, farrowing rate or subsequent litter size. Key words: Sow, nutrition, insulin, reproduction
Comparison of daughters of Canadian and New Zealand Holstein sires for first lactation efficiency of production in relation to body size and condition
Authors: Graham N. J. , Burnside E. B. , Gibson J. P. , Rapitta A. E. , McBride B. W.
Published: March 2010

Sixty-five first lactation Holstein heifers, 31 sired by one of 19 top Canadian AI proven sires and 34 sired by one of 19 top New Zealand AI proven sires were compared for production, feed intake, energetic efficiency, body weight and condition. Heifers were fed free choice a high-, medium- and low-energy complete feed for the first 140 d, 141–240 d and 241–305 d of lactation, respectively. The Canadian-sired heifers averaged 6097 ± 177 kg, 231 ± 6 kg, 226 ± 6 kg and 310 ± 9 kg of milk, fat protein, and lactose while the New Zealand sired heifers produced 5469 ± 169 kg, 226 ± 6 kg, 189 ± 6 kg and 273 ± 9 kg. Net energy consumption and gross energy production of the Canadian-sired heifers was 7783 Mcal and 4515 Mcal, and for New Zealand-sired heifers was 7310 Mcal and 4248 Mcal, resulting in feed efficiencies of 0.59 ± 0.01 and 0.58 ± 0.01 for Canadian- and New Zealand-sired heifers. Feed efficiencies, body weight gain and change in body condition score from week 2 of lactation to the end of lactation did not differ significantly between the Canadian- and New Zealand-sired heifers. Canadian-sired heifers had a lower body condition score (P < 0.05) than their New Zealand-sired counterparts in early lactation. Canadian-sired Holsteins had, on average, 7.4% higher returns per lactation with Ontario milk prices and 2.2% higher returns under New Zealand milk pricing, but neither difference was statistically significant. Key words: Strain comparison, energetic efficiency, dairy cow
The effects of acclimation to confinement on gonadotrophin and cortisol secretion during the estrous cycle of the ewe
Authors: Rawlings N. C. , Cook S. J.
Published: March 2010

The purpose of the study was to examine the effects of acclimation to confined housing on tonic gonadotrophin, cortisol and progesterone secretion in ewes at different stages of the estrous cycle. On days 4, 12 and 16 of the estrous cycle separate groups of eight ewes were blood sampled every 5 min for 6 h. Of the eight ewes bled at each stage of the cycle four were moved from outside drylots to small pens in a building 2 d prior to blood sampling and four were moved 4 d prior to sampling. All blood samples were analyzed for concentrations of LH and FSH and one sample for each hour of intensive bleeding, for each ewe, was analyzed for cortisol and progesterone. All hormone concentrations were obtained by radioimmunoassay. On day 4 of the estrous cycle LH pulse frequency and mean serum concentrations of LH were higher, but mean FSH concentrations were lower, in ewes confined for 4 d, compared to those confined for 2 d (P < 0.05). On day 12 of the cycle, mean serum LH concentrations only were higher in ewes confined for 4 d (P < 0.05). At day 16 no differences were seen between ewes confined for 2 or 4 d. Serum concentrations of progesterone, cortisol and LH pulse amplitude did not vary significantly between ewes confined for 2 or 4 d. However, in ewes confined for 4 d, serum concentrations of cortisol fell from day 4 to day 16 of the estrous cycle (P < 0.05). We conclude that acclimation to confined housing in the intact cyclic ewe is reflected in changes in tonic LH secretion at stages of the estrous cycle when serum concentrations of cortisol are high. Key words: LH, FSH, cortisol, confinement, cyclic ewe
Effect of different patterns of administration of recombinant porcine somatotropin on growth performance and economic returns of pigs in the starter grower vs. finisher phases of production
Authors: Evans F. D. , Evans N. M. , Hacker R. R. , Osborne V. R. , Morris J. R.
Published: March 2010

The effect of administration of porcine somatotropin (pST) on the production efficiency and economic returns of market hog production was determined based on temperate climate production and carcass merit marketing systems. No differences were detected in average daily gain (ADG), feed efficiency (FE) or carcass index for pigs receiving the same total dose (50 μg kg−1 d−1) of pST from 5 to 15 wk of age (9–50 kg) in any of three administration patterns (pST once per day, n = 12; pST once per day for 7 d and no injection for the next 7 d repeated, n = 11; pST once every 3 d, n = 11). However, when pST was administered from 15 wk of age through market weight (50–96 kg, n = 18), ADG increased 15.4% (P < 0.01), FE increased 30.0% (P < 0.01), backfat was reduced by 28.2% (P < 0.01) and grading index increased by 2.9 points (P < 0.01) compared to control animals (n = 24). Economic analysis indicated that breakeven costs for administration of pST for responses obtained varied from $13.68–$21.96 CDN, depending on the value of the carcass ($1.20–$2.10 CDN kg−1) and feed costs (S160.00–$240.00 CDN t−1). These results indicate that application of pST to pigs in the finisher phase of growth would result in improved production efficiency and significant economic return under present hog marketing conditions in Canada where carcass merit settlement is used without an increase in carcass weight. Key words: Porcine, somatotropin, growth, economic returns, production
The influence of digestible energy concentration of the diet on feed intake and rate of gain by beef steers
Authors: Hironaka R. , Kozub G. C.
Published: March 2010

Eighty Hereford steers were fed diets with different levels of protected tallow. One-half of the steers received all-concentrate diets with 0–20% tallow, and the other half received 50% concentrate and 50% cubed alfalfa hay diets with 0–10% tallow. As the level of protected tallow in the diet increased, daily feed intake declined in both diets, but daily digestible energy (DE) intake declined then increased with the all-concentrate diets but increased then declined with the hay-concentrate diets. Digestible energy required per unit gain was not affected with the all-concentrate diets but increased then declined as the level of protected tallow was increased with the hay-concentrate diets. Carcass measurements were not influenced by the level of protected tallow in the all-concentrate diets. Carcass backfat declined with an increase in level of protected tallow in the hay-concentrate diets. Blood plasma nonesterified fatty acid levels increased as the level of protected tallow in the diet increased. Packed cell volume increased as protected tallow in the diet increased in the steers fed all-concentrate but not in those fed hay-concentrate. Blood glucose level was not affected by level of protected tallow in the diet. Key words: Steers, digestible energy concentration, protected tallow
The effect of protein source on the growth and carcass characteristics of veal calves
Authors: Petit Hélène V. , Lachance B. , Diorio D.
Published: March 2010

One hundred and sixteen Holstein bull calves averaging 73.8 kg were assigned to a randomized block design with two treatments and 10 pens per treatment to determine the effect of protein source on growth and carcass grade. Treatments consisted of a mixture of whole shelled corn and protein supplement containing either soybean meal (SBM) or fishmeal (FM). Diets were fed ad libitum until the animals reached 225 kg. Calves were then shipped to a commercial abattoir to determine carcass yield and grade. Daily gain (1.37 kg) and days to reach market weight (112.7 d) were similar for animals fed SBM and FM. Calves fed FM were more efficient in converting dry matter to weight gain (2.64) than calves fed SBM (2.77) which was the result of the lower dry matter intake observed for FM (3.66 kg d−1) compared to SBM (3.80 kg d−1) calves. Carcass grade was similar for both treatments with most of the carcasses grading A. Muscle color score was not different between SBM and FM. However, warm carcass weight and dressing percentage were higher for FM (135.1 kg and 60.0%) than for SBM (133.0 kg and 59.0%). Nitrogen degradability of FM (57.1%) was significantly lower (P < 0.05) than that of SBM (61.8%). After a 9-h incubation in the rumen methionine disappearance was higher for FM (50.0%) compared to SBM (33.3%). Substituting partially soybean meal for fishmeal in diets of veal calves slightly improves feed efficiency and dressing percentage due probably to a lower intake on the FM supplemented diet. Key words: Calves, carcasses, protein, degradability
A survey of variation in the chemical composition of commercial canola meal produced in Western Canadian crushing plants
Authors: Bell J. M. , Keith M. O.
Published: March 2010

Canola samples of whole seed, press cake and commercial meal (CM) were collected from seven canola-crushing plants in Western Canada over 4 successive weeks to assess nutrient and glucosinolate content and variability. The CM data are described in this report. The mean concentrations in CM (dry matter (DM) basis) were: in %, crude protein (N × 6.25) 41.85; ether extract 3.92; crude fiber 13.13; neutral detergent fiber 23.54; acid detergent fiber 19.09; and in MJ kg−1, gross energy 20.36. The mean mineral concentrations were, in percent, calcium 0.70; magnesium 0.57; phosphorus 1.13; potassium 1.35; sulfur 0.94; and in μg g−1, copper 6.34; iron 157; manganese 54.7; molybdenum 1.5; selenium 1.22; zinc 75.8. Total aliphatic glucosinolate concentrations (oil-free DM basis) ranged from 6.26 to 28.42 μmol g−1 for different plants, mean 16.20; indolyl glucosinolate concentrations were from 0.56 to 9.49 μmol g−1. Small and variable amounts of allyl and hydroxybenzyl glucosinolates due to weed seed contamination were found. Myrosinase activity (thioglucoside glucohydrolase EC 3.2.3.1) averaged 0.15% of that in the corresponding canola seed. Differences among crushing plants were due mainly to regional environmental factors, cultivars used and, for lysine and glucosinolates, processing conditions mainly in the desolventizer toaster stage. Key words: Canola, meal, composition, variation, regional, Western Canada
Studies on the effect of adding Jerusalem artichoke flour to pig milk replacer
Authors: Farnworth E. R. , Dilawri N. , Yamazaki H. , Modler H. W. , Jones J. D.
Published: March 2010

In three experiments, piglets were fed either a control milk replacer (CONT) (total 18 piglets) or one containing added immunoglobulins (+IG) (total of 18 piglets) or Jerusalem artichoke flour (+JA) (total of 18 piglets). Piglets had been left with the sow for one day to receive colostrum before starting the three experiments and had zero mortality. Scouring was not a problem in any group. In all experiments, +JA group consumed less milk than the other 2 groups. The weight gain data were variable, but in 2 of the 3 experiments the +JA group gained the least amount of weight. Key words: Milk replacer, Jerusalem artichoke, neonate
The influence of sodium supplementation of two phosphorus sources on performance and bone mineralization of growing-finishing swine evaluated at two geographical locations
Authors: Kornegay E. T. , Lindemann M. D. , Bartlett H. S.
Published: March 2010

Crossbred pigs (n = 144) were used at two geographical locations (mountain and coastal) to evaluate the effects of varied Na intake on growth performance, serum minerals and bone characteristics of growing-finishing swine (average initial body weight 24.5 kg) fed either defluorinated phosphate (DFP) which contained 5% Na or dicalcium phosphate (DCP) which contained < 0.1% Na. The six dietary treatments were DFP with 0, 0.07, 0.14 and 0.28% added Na and DCP with 0 and 0.14% added Na. The basal corn-soybean meal diet contained 0.01% Na, and the Cl content was held constant at 0.25% in all diets. Drinking water at the mountain location contained 4 mg L−1 Na and 194 mg L−1 Na at the coastal location. Growth performance did not differ among treatments, with the exception of pigs fed the DCP diet without added Na (total Na, 0.01%) at the mountain location which had depressed daily gain, daily feed intake and feed per gain compared with all other diets. When metacarpals (MC) and metatarsals (MT) taken from barrows at slaughter were examined on a body weight-corrected basis, Na intake and P source did not consistently influence bone dimensional and strength characteristics. Pigs fed the DCP diet without added Na at the mountain location had a lower Na and higher Mg content of MC and MT, and serum Na and Ca concentrations were reduced while serum P, Mg and K concentrations were unchanged. Varying Na intake did not influence bone strength and mineralization, and the Na in defluorinated phosphate and drinking water is readily available for growing pigs. Key words: Sodium, phosphates, bone mineralization, pigs
Evaluation of the 1988 NRC requirements for energy when market pigs are fed barley-based diets
Authors: Castell A. G. , Cliplef R. L.
Published: March 2010

Three barley-based diets, without (BRS) or with sufficient added fat to meet the current recommendations for energy content during the growing (NRC-G, < 50 kg liveweight) and finishing (NRC-F) periods, were used to compare I (BRS), II (NRC-G) and III (NRC-G; NRC-F) treatments fed ad libitum over the period from 20 to 104 kg liveweight. Twelve pens, each containing three boar (B), three gilt (G) or three castrate (C) crossbred pigs, were assigned to each treatment using a nested design. Responses of the sex-types followed the expected patterns; favouring B for efficient production of a lean carcass and C for high intake, growth rate and meat quality, while G represented the better attributes of both B and C. The superiority of I (no added fat) over III (NRC recommendation) was evident in the overall growth rate (861 vs. 756 g d−1, P < 0.01) and estimates of carcass lean (e.g. loin eye area 32.4 vs. 27.7 cm2, P < 0.01; leaf fat 1273 vs. 1607 g, P < 0.05). These responses could be related to the more appropriate lysine: energy balance in the BRS diet (i.e. 0.61 g lysine per MJ DE, compared with 0.53 and 0.42 in the NRC-G and NRC-F, respectively). In general, treatment II produced results intermediate to the others but at a higher cost than either. It was concluded that using supplementary fat, to raise the energy level of barley-based diets up to NRC recommended levels, did not enhance the efficiency of production of market pigs. In addition, the amino acid:energy ratios represented by the NRC recommendations appear to be too low for pigs with above-average potential for production of lean carcasses. Key words: Pigs, nutrient requirements, sex effects, growth, carcass quality
Interrelationships among age, body weight, backfat and lactation feed intake with reproductive performance and longevity of sows
Authors: Young L. G. , King G. J. , Shaw J. , Quinton M. , Walton J. S. , McMillan I.
Published: March 2010

Data from an experiment involving gilts mated at first, second or third observed estrus and feeding of three levels of gestation energy throughout four parities were used to evaluate the effects of age, body weight, backfat thickness and changes in them on various measures of reproductive performance. Regression equations were estimated by using a stepwise regression analysis. Data were available for 304 initial sows that farrowed a first litter of which 115 farrowed to initial assigned breeding within gestation dietary energy level and completed four parities. Age, weight, backfat thickness or ratios between them at initial mating did not account for an appreciable amount of the variation (R2 < 0.08) in number of pigs born alive in the first litter or total number of pigs born alive per initial sow. Feed intake in lactation, age at first estrus as gilts or age at breeding of sows and the ratio of backfat to weight at farrowing accounted for a small proportion of the variation in weaning to estrus interval. There was an increased culling rate of sows with less than 12 mm P2 backfat at weaning after parities 2 and 3. Key words: Weight, backfat, reproduction, longevity, sows
Effect of snow as a water source on beef cows and their calf production
Authors: Young B. A. , Degen A. A.
Published: March 2010

Individually (n = 21) and group-fed (n = 100 over two winters) beef cows were either denied water in winter when snow was available or had free access to water. There was no difference in body mass or subcutaneous fat depth between the two treatments nor was there any difference in the birth or weaning body masses of their calves. It was concluded that beef cows could rely on snow as a water source during winter. Key words: Beef cows, snow consumption, body mass change, calf production
Effects of ammoniation and supplementation with sweet clover hay on intake and digestibility of flax straw by sheep
Authors: Howard M. D. , Cohen R. D. H. , Kernan J. A.
Published: March 2010

Flax straw (FS) was fed either untreated or ammoniated (3.5% of DM) in varying proportions with sweet clover hay (SC) to lambs. The addition of SC to both untreated and ammoniated FS increased organic matter intake (OMI), digestible OMI (DOMI), organic matter digestibility (OMD) (P < 0.001) and neutral detergent fibre digestibility (NDFD) (P < 0.05). Ammoniation of FS increased OMI, DOMI (P < 0.01) and OMD (P < 0.05). Neither ammoniation nor SC affected (P > 0.05) acid detergent fibre digestibility (ADFD). Key words: Flax straw, ammoniation, sweet clover, intake, digestibility, sheep
The effect of garlic (Allium sativum) on feed palatability of horses and feed consumption, selected performance and blood parameters in sheep and swine
Authors: Horton G. M. J. , Blethen D. B. , Prasad B. M.
Published: March 2010

Three experiments were conducted to determine the effect of garlic (Allium sativum) on feed intake by horses, sheep and swine. These data indicate that garlic increased feed palatability in horses, but not daily intake or serum lipids in sheep or swine, nor performance in pigs or digestibility in sheep. Key words: Garlic, intake, horses, sheep, swine
Enhanced attraction to blood by pigs with inadequate dietary protein supplementation
Authors: Fraser David , Bernon D. E. , Ball R. O.
Published: March 2010

In two experiments, 60 individually penned growing pigs were exposed daily to two sections of cotton cord, one of which had been soaked with pigs' blood and subsequently dried, while the other was plain. The animals' preference for chewing on the blood-impregnated cord was quantified by direct observation. When fed a standard "control" diet of corn, barley, and soybean meal with mineral and vitamin supplements, the pigs had a clear but modest preference for chewing the blood-impregnated cord. Omission of the protein supplement (soybean meal) from the diet for 4 wk led to a major increase in attraction to blood and a significant reduction in body weight gain. In the second experiment, supplementation of this "negative" diet with (a) synthetic lysine, or (b) synthetic lysine and other synthetic amino acids, led to weight gains that were intermediate between those seen with the control and negative diets. Attraction to blood was also intermediate on average, although not significantly lower than that seen with the negative diet. Pigs on the diets supplemented with amino acids had highly variable weight gains. Those that gained as rapidly as the controls had relatively low attraction to blood, while those showing clear depression of gain tended to (but did not always) have enhanced attraction to blood. It is hypothesized that the depression of growth caused by inadequate protein nutrition predisposed the animals to enhanced attraction to blood, and that such a relationship may help to explain the widely reported link between dietary inadequacies and tail-biting. Key words: Pigs, tail-biting, abnormal behavior, amino acids, protein, weight gain, growth
Halothane genotype by weight interactions on lean yield from pork carcasses
Authors: Sather A. P. , Jones S. D. M. , Tong A. K. W.
Published: March 2010

Data on 42 halothane-sensitive pigs (HSL, nn-genotype), 169 Lacombe pigs (LAC, NN-genotype), 41 crossbred pigs (XBD, Nn-genotype), and 72 Yorkshire pigs (YRK, NN-genotype) representing 145 gilts and 179 castrates, were obtained over the liveweight range from 74.0 to 134.5 kg (average 105 kg) to examine the effect of genotype, gender and slaughter weight on the composition of the four lean cuts (ham, loin, picnic and butt). Gilts had a greater proportion of dissectible lean from lean cuts than castrates (557 ± 2.8 vs. 525 ± 2.6 g kg−1). The HSL pigs had the highest and LAC pigs the lowest commercial dressing percentage, increasing respectively from 85.3 to 86.0% and 79.7 kg to 82.6% as slaughter weight increased from 80 to 130 kg. Corresponding figures for XBD and YRK pigs, were 82.5 to 85.4 and 80.6 to 84.6%, respectively. Dissectible lean from lean cuts from 65-kg carcasses was 606, 525, 536 and 575 g kg−1 for HSL, XBD, LAC and YRK pigs, respectively. Corresponding figures for 85-kg and 105-kg carcasses were 574, 525, 515, and 555 g kg−1 and 542, 525, 494, and 535 g kg−1, respectively from HSL, XBD, LAC and YRK pigs. LAC and YRK pigs, each with exclusively NN-genotypes but differing in composition of lean cuts, maintained their relative differences in composition over the weight range studied. Heterogeneity of slopes for changes in proportion of lean in the lean cuts with increasing weight among the HSL, XBD and LAC pigs implied a genotype × weight interaction that could best by explained by an apparent increase in the dominance of the halothane gene with increasing carcass weight. Key words: Swine, carcass composition, halothane gene, weight, Lacombe, Yorkshire
The effect of postulating diet intake on embryonic and fetal survival, and litter size in gilts
Authors: Dyck G. W.
Published: March 2010

The effect on reproductive performance of restriction of diet intake to body weight maintenance for 10 d after mating (R), versus a daily gain of 0.4 kg (C) was assessed in 264 Landrace (L) × Yorkshire (Y) gilts in a rotational crossbreeding program over 4 yr. Gilts were slaughtered during gestation at 30 d (49 gilts) and 60 d (52 gilts), or farrowed (163 gilts). Diet intake had no effect on survival at 30 d (C, 85.1% and R, 82.5%; P > 0.10) and 60 d (C, 81.8% and R, 82.4%, P > 0.10), or on litter size (C, 9.9 and R, 9.9 piglets born alive; P > 0.10). Breed difference in survival approached significance at 30 d (Y × LY, 88.3% vs. L × YL, 80.2%; P = 0.086), and decreased at 60 d (Y × LY, 83.3% and L × YL, 81.4%; P > 0.10). Breed differences in the number of piglets born alive were not significant (Y × LY, 10.2 and L × YL, 9.6 piglets; P > 0.10). Deaths during gestation and parturition averaged 25.6% (16.2% by 30 d; 1.7%, 30 to 60 d; 3.2%, 60 d to parturition; and 4.5%, during parturition (stillbirths)). The 17.9% death loss up to 60 d of gestation was due in part to a greater death loss associated with higher ovulation rates (R2 = 6.60) but was not influenced by individual sires, semen quality attributes, duration of estrus or body weight changes. Thus, in the crossbred gilt, the majority of death losses occur by 30 d of gestation, and do not appear to be affected by changes in diet intake early in gestation. Key words: Gilts, diet intake, embryonic survival, stillbirth, litter size
Timing of growth hormone injections and reproduction in gilts
Authors: Gilbertson J. , Kirkwood R. N. , Thacker P. A.
Published: March 2010

Sixty-eight Yorkshire × Landrace gilts were selected at 85 kg body weight (BW) and exposed to a mature boar for 20 min d−1 to detect puberty. At the onset of puberty, gilts were allocated to receive daily intramuscular injections of porcine growth hormone (pGH, 90 μg kg−1 BW) from either 14 to 17 d (GH17, n = 22) or from 14 to 22 d (GH22 n = 22) after puberty, inclusively. A third group of gilts served as controls (n = 24) and received vehicle buffer. A single blood sample was obtained from each gilt on days 14, 17 and 20. Also, four gilts from each pGH treatment and eight control gilts were sampled at 15-min intervals for 8 h on day 16. Gilts were slaughtered 30 d after puberty at which time their ovaries were recovered for the determination of ovulation rate. Injection of pGH resulted in elevated serum concentrations of triiodothyronine, insulin and glucose (P < 0.01). There was no significant (P > 0.1) treatment effect on mean serum concentrations of LH or FSH. However, pGH treatment tended (P = 0.1) to increase LH pulse frequency and to decrease (P = 0.01) LH pulse amplitude. The incidence of a second estrus was reduced (P < 0.01) in GH22 compared to control gilts, with GH17 being intermediate (72.7 vs. 90.9 vs. 100% for GH22, GH17 and control gilts, respectively). Ovulation rate was not affected by pGH treatment (15.1 vs. 14.3 vs 14 0 for GH22, GH17 and control gilts, respectively). The present data confirm an adverse effect of pGH on ovarian function and suggest that an altered LH pulsatility may be involved. Key words: Gilts, growth hormone, estrus, endocrinology