bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
NUTRITIVE AND ECONOMIC EVALUATION OF WHEAT CULTIVARS WITH VARYING PROTEIN LEVELS: AMINO AND FATTY ACID COMPOSITION AND PERFORMANCE IN CHICK AND POULT DIETS
Authors: SALMON R. E. , DUNKELGOD K. E.
Published: March 2010

Wheat cultivars ranging in crude protein from 10.8 to 17.1% were fed in computer formulated diets to chicks and poults. The growth rate of chicks increased as the protein level of wheat decreased in order of cultivars Chinook, Inia 66, Glenlea and Lemhi 53. The differences were related to the dietary amino acid balance and are attributed in part to the improved amino acid balance of the lower protein wheats and also to the greater proportion of soybean meal used in the diets containing lower protein wheats. Poults fed Chinook and Pitic grew more rapidly than those fed either Inia 66 or Glenlea, but not Lemhi 53. The growth rate of poults was not related to the protein level of the wheat. Feed conversion of diets based on Chinook, Inia 66, Glenlea and Lemhi 55 did not differ in either chick or poult studies. The diet based on Pitic 62, fed only to poults, was more efficiently converted than diets based on the other wheat cultivars. The cost of meat production increased with both chicks and poults as the protein level of the wheat decreased with the ingredient prices that prevailed at the time of study. Amino acid composition of the wheat cultivars fed, and fatty acid composition of a total of 30 wheat cultivars are presented.
RESPONSE OF MEAT- AND EGG-TYPE CHICKENS TO A HIGH FIBER DIET
Authors: KONDRA P. A. , SELL J. L. , GUENTER W.
Published: March 2010

Experiments were conducted to determine the effect of feeding a high (19.6%) or low (7.7%) fiber diet to meat- and egg-type chickens during the last 6 wk of their growing period followed by a high (12.4%) or low (6.2%) fiber diet during the breeding period. The addition of finely ground wheat straw at 40% of the ration during 15–21 wk of age resulted in a significant reduction in feed consumed, exclusive of the added fiber, per hen–day in both strains and a reduction in body weight gain per bird, but it had no effect on feed conversion efficiency. The addition of fiber also resulted in a significant increase in weight (and size) of various components of the digestive system in both strains when this was prorated to body weight. The carryover effects of feeding high fiber during the growing period were manifested by increased rate of lay and body weight gain in both strains, irrespective of the breeding period diet. However, pre-treatment on high fiber growing diet resulted in increased feed efficiency of both strains of hens fed a low fiber breeding diet, but not of the hens fed a high fiber breeding diet. The high fiber rations (20% wheat straw) fed during the breeding period depressed rate of lay and feed efficiency but did not affect the weight, quality, fertility or hatchability of the eggs. Mortality during the growing and breeding periods was not affected by the high fiber diet. Apparently chickens are capable of a high degree of anatomical and physiological adaptation to compensate for variation in nutrient concentration of their diet. Such adaptation during the growing period showed some beneficial effects on breeding period performance in meat- and egg-type chickens.
EFFECTS OF GENOTYPE AND STORAGE TIME ON HATCHABILITY WHEN CHICKEN EGGS ARE IN CONTACT OR SEPARATED DURING HATCHING
Authors: PROUDFOOT F. G.
Published: March 2010

not available
NUTRITIONAL VALUE OF LOW GLUCOSINOLATE RAPESEED MEAL FOR SWINE
Authors: BELL J. M.
Published: March 2010

Five swine experiments were conducted to evaluate rapeseed meal (RSM) of low glucosinolate content (Brassica napus L. cv. Bronowski). Two experiments involved 0, 25, 50, 75 and 100% substitution of either Bronowski meal or regular (B. campestris) meal for soybean meal or fishmeal used in the control diet. One experiment compared ad libitum-fed and partially restricted pigs. Another experiment involved digestibility studies, and the final one involved methionine and lysine supplementation. As the dietary levels of either Bronowski or regular RSM increased in the ration, protein digestion coefficients decreased from 79 and 80% to 76 and 78%, respectively, and energy coefficients decreased from 82% to 79 and 78%, respectively. The protein and energy digestibility coefficients for Bronowski RSM were estimated to be 68 and 59%; for regular RSM, 65 and 54%. With barley–wheat–RSM diets, pigs responded to 0.1% methionine, but not to lysine (P > 0.05). Pigs fed ad libitum consumed more Bronowski than regular RSM diet and performed as well as pigs fed soybean meal diets.
EFFECTS OF SPAN RAPESEED MEAL ON PRODUCTIVE PERFORMANCE, EGG QUALITY, COMPOSITION OF LIVER AND HEARTS AND INCIDENCE OF "FATTY LIVERS" IN LAYING HENS
Authors: OLOMU J. M. , ROBBLEE A. R. , CLANDININ D. R. , HARDIN R. T.
Published: March 2010

Single-comb White Leghorn pullets were fed rations containing four levels (0, 5, 7.5 and 10%) of rapeseed meal in two trials that lasted for 336 days each. It was observed that the level of mortality and mortality attributed to "fatty liver syndrome" were similar when 0 or 5% rapeseed meal was included in the ration, but increased as the level of rapeseed meal in the ration was increased. Egg production was significantly reduced by inclusion of 10% rapeseed meal in the ration. Haugh unit values and specific gravity of eggs produced, feed conversion and body weight of the pullets were not affected by the dietary treatments used. No significant effects of treatment on size, dry matter, fat and protein contents of the hearts and livers were observed. Enlargement of the thyroids was observed in the groups fed rapeseed meal.
COPPER SUPPLEMENTATION OF CANADIAN DIETS FOR GROWING–FINISHING PIGS
Authors: CASTELL A. G. , ALLEN R. D. , BEAMES R. M. , BELL J. M. , BELZILE R. , BOWLAND J. P. , ELLIOT J. I. , IHNAT M. , LARMOND ELIZABETH , MALLARD T. M. , SPURR D. T. , STOTHERS S. C. , WILTON S. B. , YOUNG L. G.
Published: March 2010

A co-operative trial involving 10 swine units and 744 pigs examined the effects of adding 0.05 and 0.08% copper sulfate to diets fed, ad libitum, from approximately 11 to 90 kg liveweight. Supplementation resulted in weighted improvements of 2.2 and 1.7% in growth rate and 2.0 and 2.2% in the efficiency of feed conversion, respectively, for the overall period. Added copper had little effect upon carcass characteristics, but resulted in a marked increase in liver copper concentrations. Although 31 of the 500 livers analyzed contained levels in excess of the Canadian tolerance (150 mg Cu/kg fresh weight), 28 of these were from pigs fed the 0.08% copper supplement. Pigs fed the copper-supplemented diets tended to have a more unsaturated backfat, which contained a lower proportion of stearic acid, but more palmitoleic acid and a higher oleic:stearic ratio. There was evidence that both the composition of the unsupplemented diets and the sex of the pigs could also significantly influence the criteria measured in the carcass tissues. The level of dietary copper did not affect the eating quality of pork held for 4 or 8 mo frozen storage. The results indicate that under Canadian conditions, it would be preferable to limit the use of high levels of copper to diets for pigs under 50 kg liveweight.
RAPESEED, PEANUT AND SOYBEAN MEALS AS PROTEIN SUPPLEMENTS WITH OR WITHOUT ADDED LYSINE: BIOLOGICAL PERFORMANCE AND CARCASS CHARACTERISTICS OF PIGS AND RATS
Authors: OROK E. J. , BOWLAND J. P. , BRIGGS C. W.
Published: March 2010

The supplemental values of prepress solvent-extracted rapeseed meal (RSM) from Brassica campestris cv. Span seed, solvent-extracted peanut meal (PNM) and soybean meal (SBM) with or without added lysine were compared using barley–wheat-based diets. Pietrain and crossbred-sired barrows and gilts and uncastrated male and female rats were the test species. For rate of gain with pigs, SBM, RSM and PNM ranked in that order, while for rats, PNM and SBM were similar with RSM being inferior. Partial substitution of RSM for 50 or 75% of PNM in diets of pigs tended to improve performance. Lysine addition to the PNM-supplemented diet did not significantly enhance food consumption, gain or efficiency of food conversion of rats, but there was a trend toward improvement of these criteria with pigs. No significant treatment, sex or breed differences were observed in energy digestibility or in metabolizable energy. In N retention as a percentage of intake, gilts were superior (P < 0.05) to barrows, consistent with the leaner (P < 0.05) carcasses of gilts. Sex, but not diets, influenced the thyroid weights of rats, with female thyroids being larger (P < 0.01) than those of males. Histopathology of the thyroids ranked RSM, SBM and PNM as goitrogenic in that order. The studies indicated that comparative values of protein supplements for the rat are not necessarily indicative of the comparative values of these supplements for young pigs.
FOOT SORE INCIDENCE AMONG DE-CLAWED LEGHORN-TYPE LAYERS, AS AFFECTED BY STRAIN, DENSITY AND BIRDS PER CAGE
Authors: HILL A. T.
Published: March 2010

not available
SILICEOUS URINARY CALCULI IN BULLS, STEERS, AND PARTIAL CASTRATES
Authors: BAILEY C. B.
Published: March 2010

Ninety-six Hereford × Angus bull calves born in May were divided into four groups of 24 each. Calves in one group were castrated at 2 mo of age (early castrates); calves in the second group were partially castrated by Baiburtcjan’s method at 2 mo of age (partial castrates); calves in the third group were castrated at 6 mo of age (late castrates); and calves in the fourth group were left entire (bulls). All calves grazed shortgrass prairie range until 12 mo of age at which time representative animals in each group were killed. The remaining calves were given alfalfa hay and grain until they reached 440 kg about 7 mo later when they also were killed. Two early castrates and one late castrate died of obstruction of the urethra by single large calculi while on range. Calculi were found in all cattle at slaughter at either age but the average weight of material present did not differ significantly between castration treatments. In most animals, kidneys contained a greater weight of calculi than did bladders. At 12 mo of age, the lumens of the urethrae were largest in bulls followed by partial castrates, late castrates, and early castrates in that order. From the differences in urethral diameters, it was calculated that bulls, partial castrates, and late castrates could expel calculi that were heavier by 100%, 50%, and 14% than calculi that could be expelled by early castrates. Thus, bulls and partial castrates had an advantage over steers, not because of differences in their tendency to form calculi, but because of differences in their ability to expel them. In contrast, late castration provided little advantage over early castration.
EVALUATION OF FULL-FAT SPAN RAPESEED AS AN ENERGY AND PROTEIN SOURCE FOR LAYING HENS
Authors: OLOMU J. M. , ROBBLEE A. R. , CLANDININ D. R. , HARDIN R. T.
Published: March 2010

Full-fat Span rapeseed (a low erucic acid variety), which had been steam-treated at 90 C for 30 min and then ground, was examined as a protein and energy source in rations of Single Comb White Leghorn laying hens during a laying period of 336 days. The levels of mortality and egg production were not significantly affected by the inclusion of 0, 5, 10 or 15% Span rapeseed in the ration; however, calculation of the simple regression between hen-day production and level of rapeseed used indicated a significant decrease in production with increasing levels of rapeseed in the ration. No mortality was attributed to ’haemorrhagic liver syndrome’ in the groups fed rations containing 0 and 5% rapeseed but the incidence of haemorrhagic liver syndrome was 3.1 and 4.2%, respectively, in birds fed rations containing 10 and 15% rapeseed. Egg quality, feed conversion and body weight were not affected by any of the dietary treatments. The sizes of the livers and hearts and their composition of dry matter, fat and protein were not significantly affected by dietary treatments. There was, however, a progressive and significant (P < 0.05) increase in the relative weights of the thyroids as the level of rapeseed in the ration was increased.
NUTRITIONAL EVALUATION OF LOW AND HIGH FIBRE FRACTIONS OF RAPESEED MEAL USING CHICKENS AND PIGS
Authors: BAYLEY H. S. , HILL D. C.
Published: March 2010

Samples of Brassica napus and B. campestris rapeseed meals were separated into fractions low in crude fibre or high in crude fibre using an ’air classifier.’ The original meals contained 15% crude fibre and these levels were reduced to 8 and 10%, respectively, for the ’low fibre’ fractions from the two types of rapeseed meal, and increased to 23% in the ’high fibre’ fractions. There was 42.2 and 40.5% crude protein, respectively, in the original meals, and this was increased to 46.7% and 45.2%, respectively, in the low fibre fractions and reduced to 33% and 37%, respectively, in the high fibre fractions. The above six samples, along with rapeseed meal from the Bronowski cultivar of B. napus and 49% protein soybean meal were assayed for metabolizable energy using 4-wk-old chicks. The classical metabolizable energy values of the B. napus, B. campestris and Bronowski meals were 1.49, 1.66 and 1.71 kcal/g compared to 2.26 kcal/g for the soybean meal. The low fibre fractions from both types of rapeseed had a metabolizable energy value of 2.19 kcal/g, whilst the values for the high fibre fractions were 1.36 and 1.56 kcal/g, respectively, for B. napus and B. campestris. Incorporation of the rapeseed products as protein supplements in isocaloric 17% crude protein broiler diets resulted in similar gains for the three diets containing rapeseed meal and for a control diet containing soybean meal; however, gains were reduced for both the low and high fibre fractions. The poor performance of the birds on the diet containing the low fibre fractions was probably due to the birds having difficulty in consuming the dry powdery diet. A further growth study with 23% protein broiler diets showed that replacing one half or all the supplementary protein from soybean with the rapeseed low fibre fractions reduced weight gain, although in both experiments the rate of gain per unit liveweight over the last week of the experiment was similar for all diets, again suggesting that the birds had difficulty in adjusting to the diet. The digestible energy value of the B. campestris meal for 25-kg barrow pigs was 3.47 kcal/g. The values for the low and high fibre fractions from this meal were 3.67 and 3.39, respectively.
INFLUENCE OF MATURE COW WEIGHT ON ECONOMIC EFFICIENCY IN BEEF CATTLE PRODUCTION
Authors: MORRIS C. A. , WILTON J. W.
Published: March 2010

Linear programming has been used to investigate with a farm level model the influence of mature cow weight on economic efficiency in beef cattle production. Four other factors are considered: (1) farm size, (2) herd size, (3) beef and feed prices, and (4) a marketing option (i.e. the facility to feed home-grown crops or to feed and sell home-grown crops). Intermediate prices represent Ontario conditions for 1972. The model describes straightbred production, and is integrated in the sense that it includes a cow–calf operation with replacements bred on the farm, a beef feedlot for steers and surplus heifers, cropping, and the labor and capital required for livestock and cropping. Farm gross margin was the criterion for comparing the 450 combinations of factors, as this was considered the most relevant criterion for the farmer. Comparisons were made only within farm sizes. Optimal plans did not always correspond in ranking for gross margin/cow, gross margin/kg and farm gross margin. In general, the larger cows produced larger farm gross margins. The most important exceptions were under conditions of high feed prices relative to beef prices, where intermediate or small-sized cows were most profitable, depending on the farm size. With high beef prices, economic values (as defined in the text) for mature cow weights ranged from 33 to 51 % of the market price for beef. At intermediate feed and beef prices, economic values were smaller, averaging $0.083/kg or 11.6% of the market price for beef. Because of the assumption in the model of proportionality in growth, the economic values for weaning weight and daily gain could be derived from those for mature weight, giving average values of $0.181/kg and $4.51 per 0.1 kg/day, respectively. With high feed prices (relative to beef prices), economic values were negative under most conditions.
EFFECTS OF VARIOUS DIETARY FATS ON THE POSTPRANDIAL CONCENTRATIONS OF BLOOD PLASMA-FREE AMINO ACIDS IN YOUNG DAIRY CALVES
Authors: RONY D. D. , BRISSON G. J. , DESMARAIS M.
Published: March 2010

Six groups of Holstein male calves, 4–5 days of age, were fed milk replacers containing, on a dry matter basis, 24.8% of either butter oil, lard, lard and corn oil (2:1), hydrogenated corn oil, or corn oil. Whole milk was used as control and the experiment lasted 56 days. The calves were fed, twice each day, a milk replacer containing 13% solids which was offered at a maximum daily rate of 12% of body weight as measured weekly. On the 28th and 56th day of the experiment, blood samples were drawn from the left jugular vein before the morning meal, and then 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 9, 11 and 13 h after feeding. Dry matter intake and growth rate were the lowest with calves receiving the corn oil diet. The calves fed corn oil also exhibited more frequent diarrhea. The vegetable fats, as compared to the animal fats, tended to induce a lower concentration of essential amino acids in blood plasma, but this trend was not statistically significant [Formula: see text] in all cases. The concentration of nonessential amino acids followed the same general trend as noted with essential amino acids. The concentration of total amino acids was the lowest for calves fed corn oil. Amino acid levels in blood varied with time after feeding, and exhibited postprandial patterns that differed from one amino acid to another or one group of amino acids to another. It would appear that type of dietary fat, under the conditions of this experiment, had an influence on amino acid metabolism in the young calf.
POULTRY WASTES AS A FEEDSTUFF FOR SHEEP
Authors: FLIPOT PAUL , McNIVEN MARY , SUMMERS J. D.
Published: March 2010

Six wethers averaging 37 kg were used in a double 3 × 3 latin square design to evaluate poultry wastes as a feedstuff; small silos were used to measure the ensiling characteristics of these diets. Poultry excreta (CLE) were treated with tannic acid (3%) or paraformaldehyde (2%) and incorporated at a level of approximately 64% (wet weight) into test diets for sheep. Soybean meal and water replaced this material in the control diet. Dry matter and water intake of the CLE diet treated with 2% paraformaldehyde was lower (P < 0.05) than that of the other two diets. Dry matter, total N and energy digestibilities were decreased (P < 0.05) in diets containing CLE. Nitrogen retained as a percent of total N intake was not different for the control and the CLE tannic-acid-treated diets. The ensiling characteristics were not adversely affected by CLE.
EFFECTS OF SELENIUM AND VITAMIN E, AND COPPER ADMINISTRATIONS ON WEIGHT GAINS OF BEEF CATTLE RAISED IN A SELENIUM-DEFICIENT AREA
Authors: HIDIROGLOU M. , JENKINS K. J.
Published: March 2010

Five experiments, involving 131 Shorthorn cows with their calves and 100 Shorthorn yearling steers, were conducted to determine the effects of selenium (Se) + vitamin E, and copper (Cu) administrations on the average daily gains (ADG) of cattle raised on feeds naturally deficient in Se. Se + vitamin E administered by either intramuscular injection to the cows during late pregnancy or orally to the calves at birth had no significant (P < 0.05) effect on ADG of the calves up to weaning age, although both treatments prevented deaths from muscular dystrophy (NMD). Similarly, neither implantation of Se under the skin of cows at mid-pregnancy nor inclusion of vitamin E or Se + vitamin E in the maternal mineral mix influenced weight gains of their calves. Yearling steers fed during the winter with either low-Se hay, or low-Se/low-Cu barley silage, and subsequently grazed on low-Se pasture during the summer showed no liveweight gain response to Se and vitamin E in mineral mix or to Se and/or Cu injected subcutaneously.
INFLUENCE OF DIETARY COPPER ON THE FATTY ACID COMPOSITION OF ADIPOSE TISSUE LIPIDS AND ON THE LEVEL AND COMPOSITION OF PLASMA FREE FATTY ACIDS IN GROWING PIGS FED INDIVIDUALLY OR IN GROUPS
Authors: MYRES A. W. , BOWLAND J. P.
Published: March 2010

The influence of dietary copper on plasma free fatty acid (FFA) levels and the fatty acid composition of adipose tissue lipids was investigated using 24 pigs, fed individually or in groups of six. Barley–fishmeal diets with and without 250 ppm supplemental copper were fed. There were no statistically significant effects on growth or carcass quality due to either dietary copper or method of feeding. There were significant increases (P < 0.001) in the copper content of the liver and kidney of the pigs fed diets containing supplemental copper. Dietary copper increased the proportion of unsaturated fatty acids (UFA) (P < 0.01) in both the total lipid extract and the triglyceride fraction of the outer layer of subcutaneous adipose tissue. Similar but less marked trends were observed in the monoglyceride, diglyceride and FFA fractions. There were significant (P < 0.001) differences between fractions with the FFA fraction having the lowest proportion of the major saturated acids (16:0, 18:0) and the highest proportion of the unsaturated acids (18:1, 18:2). Group feeding increased the proportion of saturated fatty acids. Increases in the concentration of all plasma FFA were observed in the fasting state. Relative proportions of plasma FFA were also significantly different between the fed and fasted state. Females had a significantly higher concentration of FFA than castrated males. Main treatments were without consistent effects on plasma FFA composition or concentration.
RAPESEED, PEANUT AND SOYBEAN MEALS AS PROTEIN SUPPLEMENTS: DIETARY AMINO ACID COMPOSITION AND POSTPRANDIAL PLASMA AMINO ACID PATTERN AS INDICES OF PERFORMANCE OF PIGS
Authors: OROK E. J. , BOWLAND J. P.
Published: March 2010

Postprandial plasma amino acid concentration and chemical score were compared with average daily gain to assess the supplemental values of prepress solvent-extracted rapeseed (RSM), solvent-extracted peanut (PNM) and solvent-extracted soybean meals (SBM) by identifying the limiting amino acids in each of the supplements. Eight diets utilizing these supplements as sole or combined supplements were involved, and to one of these diets lysine was added. Blood was sampled by anterior vena cava puncture at 13–14 wk of age following 8–9 wk on test. Preprandial samples were taken after a 24-h fast followed by other samples at 1, 2, 3 and 4 h postprandial, respectively. A quadratic equation was used to estimate the peak and peaking time for each replicate by treatment combination. Chemical score based on National Academy of Sciences–National Research Council (NAS–NRC (1973)) requirement identified lysine as the first limiting amino acid. The deficiency was most acute with PNM, followed by RSM, which was consistent with dietary lysine analysis. Postprandial plasma amino acid levels corresponded with dietary levels, but in diets containing RSM, relatively high plasma lysine values were not reflected in high average daily gain, suggesting that plasma lysine levels are doubtful indicators of expected performance for pigs fed different protein supplements. Significant (P < 0.01) variation in peaking time between plasma amino acids within each diet could explain some of the discrepancies in the relationship of plasma lysine levels to average daily gain.
BEEF BULL GROWTH RATE EVALUATION PROCEDURES
Authors: WILTON J. W. , SCHAEFFER L. R. , BATRA T. R.
Published: March 2010

Procedures for estimating the breeding value for average daily gain of beef bulls across breed and across test groups are described. The estimates are best linear unbiased predictions taking into account breed, test group, paternal half-sibs and heritability. Breed differences based on Canadian test stations indicate that Angus gain approximately.05 kg/day less, Shorthorn about the same and Charolais.25 kg/day more than Hereford, with these differences fairly similar for all provinces. The use of evaluations across groups is compared with evaluations within group, considering the differences between large sample and small sample selection and the accuracy of estimating breeding values across groups relative to within groups. Expected genetic progress was found to be similar for across- and within-group selection procedures for fixed tested population size with an advantage for selection across groups for groups with many sires, especially for small numbers of bulls selected. Evaluations across groups can be more flexible, allowing for selection both within and across groups.
PREDICTING EMPTY BODY COMPOSITION OF CATTLE FROM CARCASS WEIGHT AND RIB CUT COMPOSITION
Authors: ALHASSAN W. S. , BUCHANAN-SMITH J. G. , USBORNE W. R. , SMITH G. C. , ASHTON G. C.
Published: March 2010

Data collected on 43 steers (25 predominantly Hereford breeding (H) and 18 predominantly Angus breeding (A)) were used to generate equations to predict total body composition of Angus and Hereford steers from measurements obtained at slaughter. Empty body fat (ether extract, EBF), kg was predicted from 9–11 rib cut fat (ether extract, RF), kg and warm carcass weight (WCW), kg by the following: H — steers, EBF = − 11.49 + 44.08 RF + 0.22 WCW (R2 = 0.96, CV = 10.07%) and A — steers, EBF = − 49.30 + 31.30 RF + 0.50 WCW (R2 = 0.94, CV = 9.40%). Total empty body energy (EBE) (Mcal) was predicted from 9–11 rib cut energy (RE, Mcal) and WCW (kg) by the following: H — steers, EBE = − 252.6 + 28.85 RE + 4.26 WCW (R2 = 0.94, CV = 10.15%) and A — steers, EBE = − 434.3 + 25.48 RE + 5.64 WCW (R2 = 0.94, CV = 8.02%). Prediction of EBF and EBE from RF and RE, respectively, differed (P = 0.05) between breeds whereas prediction from WCW did not. For all steers, EBF, kg and EBE, Mcal, respectively, were predicted from WCW, kg, by the following: EBF = − 63.71 + 0.704 WCW (r2 = 0.91, CV = 12.44%) and EBE = − 537.7 + 7.377 WCW (r2 = 0.92, CV = 10.0%). Body protein (BP), kg was predicted from WCW, kg by the following: H — steers, BP = 23.31 + 0.154 WCW (r2 = 0.83, CV = 6.04%) and A — steers, BP = 11.32 + 0.195 WCW (r2 = 0.93, CV = 5.29%). Prediction of BP was not significantly improved by the inclusion of 9–11 rib protein in the equation with WCW. Prediction of body water and ash from weights of rib cut water and ash, respectively, and warm carcass weight were unacceptable. Non-linear relationships between rib cut component weights and corresponding empty body weights as well as between WCW and empty body component weights were generally not significant (P = 0.05). Inclusion of kidney and pelvic fat weight in these equations did not greatly improve their accuracy.
PLASMA LEVELS OF ESTRONE SULFATE, ESTRONE AND ESTRADIOL-17β IN THE COW AROUND PARTURITION
Authors: TSANG C. P. W. , HACKETT A. J. , TURNER Jr. E. M.
Published: March 2010

Estrone sulfate, estrone, and estradiol-17β have been assayed in blood plasma taken from the mammary vein of five pregnant cows before and after parturition. While there were considerable individual variations, the mean plasma levels of estrone sulfate (13.4 ng/ml), estrone (1 ng/ml) and estradiol-17β (1 ng/ml) remained fairly constant over the period of blood collection prior to parturition (−88 h to −2 h). The levels of all three estrogens dropped rapidly within 8 h postpartum. It is concluded that estrone sulfate, rather than estrone, is the predominant plasma estrogen in late pregnancy in the cow.
FEED INPUT AND MILK OUTPUT OF DAIRY COWS FED FIVE LEVELS OF GRAIN
Authors: HIRONAKA R. , KOZUB G. C. , SLEN S. B.
Published: March 2010

Forty Holstein–Friesian cows were fed concentrate at one of five levels (0.15, 0.20, 0.25, 0.30, or 0.35 kg concentrate/kg milk produced) and alfalfa hay to appetite. In a 280-day lactation period with twice-a-day milking, average milk production was 19.9 kg/day and increased 0.150 kg/0.01-kg increase of concentrate per kilogram of milk produced (P < 0.05). The rate of change in milk production, feed intake, and milk constituents was not affected by the breed–class–average (BCA) index of the cows over the BCA range studied. For each 0.01-kg increase in concentrate per kilogram of milk produced, daily increase in production of solids-not-fat was 0.0138 kg and of protein was 0.0052 kg (P < 0.05). Total energy secreted in milk increased, but not significantly, as the level of concentrate feeding increased. However, the proportion of energy consumed that was secreted in the milk declined from 26.8 to 23.5% (P < 0.10) as the level of concentrate feeding was increased.
INFLUENCE OF ADDITIVES ON SHORT-TERM PRESERVATION OF WET BREWERS’ GRAIN STORED IN UNCOVERED PILES
Authors: ALLEN W. R. , STEVENSON K. R. , BUCHANAN-SMITH J.
Published: March 2010

Fresh wet brewers’ grains at 23.0% dry matter and 4.7% total nitrogen (dry matter basis) were obtained from a brewery. The effects of the following additives on the preservation of brewers’ grains, stored in uncovered piles, were compared to an untreated control during a 14-day storage period: 85% formic acid at 0.20 and 0.40%; propionic acid and formic–propionic mixture (1:1) at 0.20, 0.30, and 0.40%; and molasses at 2.00%. Piles of brewers’ grains were placed outside on polyethylene sheeting. The quality of the wet brewers’ grains was determined by measuring pH, organic acid and ammoniacal-nitrogen content of surface and subsurface samples taken at three intervals during the 14-day study. As well, visible surface changes were noted daily during the 2-wk period. A rapid increase in acetic acid in the subsurface samples was detected for brewers’ grains treated with the low and medium rates (0.20 and 0.30%) of both propionic and formic–propionic, 2.00% molasses and the untreated control. As well, extensive mold growth, discoloration and dry matter deterioration were noted for these treatments. The two rates (0.20 and 0.40%) of formic acid and the high rate (0.40%) of propionic acid were effective in reducing subsurface deterioration, but were unable to reduce the amount of surface spoilage. The high rate (0.40%) of the formic–propionic acid mixture effectively reduced all aspects of deterioration to maintain quality material during the 14-day study.
INFLUENCE OF THYROTROPIN-RELEASING HORMONE (TRH) ON PLASMA PROGESTERONE AND PITUITARY HORMONE CONCENTRATIONS IN CATTLE
Authors: MANNS J. G. , HAFS H. D. , LAMMING G. E.
Published: March 2010

Four Friesian heifers 14–16 mo of age were injected through jugular catheters six times per day (0600, 0900, 1200, 1500, 1800 and 2100 h) with 100 μg thyrotropin-releasing hormone or saline (control). TRH and saline treatment continued for 14 days beginning 1 day after a luteolytic dose of prostaglandin (PGF2α, 30 mg) which was given during diestrus. Blood samples were collected via the catheters at 0900 and 2100 h each day for progesterone prolactin and LH determinations and before and 10, 20, 30, 40 and 60 min after the 0600 and 2100 h TRH injections on the 1st, 7th and 13th days of treatment for growth hormone (GH) and prolactin analysis. After 14 days, heifers were injected with 10 mg PGF2α and changes in blood progesterone were measured for 24 h. There were two treatment periods; hence, each animal was subjected to both TRH and saline injections. Results support the following conclusions: (1) Prolactin secretion in response to TRH did not diminish with time. (2) Plasma progesterone of TRH-treated animals was lower (P < 0.05) from approximately day 5 of the cycle (estrus = day 0) until corpora lutea were destroyed with PGF2α; this provides no support for a luteotrophic role for prolactin. (3) Corpora lutea of all animals regressed after 10 mg PGF2α, suggesting that TRH had not increased the resistance of the corpus luteum to the luteolytic effects of PGF2α.
CRITERIA OF BELLY BACON DESIRABILITY. I. FAT–LEAN RATIO OF THE PORK BELLY IN RELATION TO BACKFAT, CARCASS WEIGHT AND SPECIFIC GRAVITY
Authors: FREDEEN H. T. , MARTIN A. H. , McANDREWS J. G. , HARBISON D. S.
Published: March 2010

Belly composition in relation to specific gravity of the cured belly and weight and backfat measurements of the carcass was evaluated on a sample of 730 carcasses. Substantial sex differences were observed with boars (n = 109) having 4.5% less fat in the belly than gilts (n = 379) and gilts 2.7% less fat than castrates (n = 242). Percent fat of belly increased in a linear fashion with increasing backfat thickness with the change consistent for each sex across the carcass weight range (56–90 kg). In regression analysis of the total population, backfat explained 46.1% of the total variance in percent fat of the belly, weight after backfat 0.5% and specific gravity after weight 36.1%. Inclusion of sex in the regression equation increased the proportion of variance explained by 0.4% (from 82.7 to 83.1). Carcass weight, backfat thickness, and percent fat in the belly were directly related to belly weight expressed as a proportion of carcass weight and inversely related to percent curing shrink.
CRITERIA OF BELLY BACON DESIRABILITY. II. VISUAL APPRAISAL AND PHYSICAL MEASUREMENTS OF THE BELLY
Authors: FREDEEN H. T. , MARTIN A. H.
Published: March 2010

Variation in the physical dimensions (width and depth) of bacon rashers observed in a population of 730 pigs was more precisely explained by the carcass measurements of backfat and weight than by specific measurements made on the rasher. Ratios among these measurements, including uniformity of rasher depth, could not be predicted from either rasher or carcass measurements. Total fat content and fat–lean distribution through the rasher were associated with measures of carcass or belly fatness but not with carcass weight or with width, depth or uniformity of rasher. Subjective grades applied in this study were primarily a function of fat content, but estimates provided by visual assessment of each rasher were no better correlated with most rasher measurements and fat–lean ratios than carcass backfat or backfat plus specific gravity of the belly. The importance of fat content as a criterion of bacon quality, coupled with the apparent dependence of rasher dimensions and fat–lean distribution on degree of fatness, led to the conclusion that measures of fat made on the carcass or the belly should constitute the primary basis for assessing overall product desirability.
CRITERIA OF BELLY BACON DESIRABILITY. IV. MARKET INDEX AS A GUIDE TO CARCASS POTENTIAL FOR BACON PRODUCTION
Authors: FREDEEN H. T. , MARTIN A. H. , McANDREWS J. G. , HARBISON D. S.
Published: March 2010

Market index values applied to carcasses weighing 59–77 kg provided a reasonably consistent indication of lean–fat ratio in the belly with lean content increasing as index increased from 92 to 112. However, index values involving carcass weight discounts (i.e. applied to carcasses outside this 18-kg weight range) were not a consistent measure of belly merit or of carcass backfat and, in the total population studied, all belly traits were more reliably predicted by carcass backfat per se than by index. Statistical analyses did not identify any interactions between sex and fat, sex and weight, or weight and fat over the total range of weight (55–94 kg) and fat (40–110 mm) represented in the population. It was concluded that market index, if it is to serve as a consistent predictor of quantitative traits observed in the belly cut, would require revision to extend into the upper weight range (up to 90 kg), the systematic fat–weight–index pattern currently applied to carcasses weighing 59–77 kg.
NITROGEN METABOLISM AND FLOW OF NITROGENOUS COMPOUNDS THROUGH THE GASTROINTESTINAL TRACT OF SHEEP FED FORMALDEHYDE-TREATED RAPESEED MEAL
Authors: SHARMA H. R. , NICHOLSON J. W. G.
Published: March 2010

Four mature wether sheep weighing 45–50 kg and fistulated in the abomasum and in the terminal ileum with plastic cannulas were used to determine the effect of formaldehyde treatment of rapeseed meal on the digestibility of nutrients and flow of nitrogenous compounds through the gastrointestinal tract. The sheep were fed four pelleted diets containing 8 or 16% rapeseed meal treated with water or formaldehyde at 1 g formaldehyde/100 g crude protein in a 4 × 4 latin square design. Urea was added to the diets containing 8% rapeseed meal at a level calculated to make all diets isonitrogenous; however, the actual N level of the formaldehyde-treated 8% rapeseed meal diet was somewhat higher than for the other diets. The animals were offered 600 g of feed twice daily at 12-h intervals. Formaldehyde treatment of rapeseed meal did not significantly affect the apparent digestibility of crude protein or dry matter of the experimental diets. No significant differences were observed in total N excretion, or N retention among the four treatments. However, N retained, expressed as grams or as a percentage of absorbed N, for the diets containing formaldehyde-treated rapeseed meal tended to be higher than for the diets containing water-treated rapeseed meal. Formaldehyde treatment of the 16% rapeseed meal diets moderated the increases in rumen fluid ammonia and blood urea N levels following feeding. Formaldehyde treatment of the 16% rapeseed meal diet also increased the flow of dry matter, total N (P < 0.01), and true protein N (P < 0.05) in the abomasal digesta of sheep compared to those fed the water-treated rapeseed meal diet. A similar, but nonsignificant (P > 0.05), effect of the formaldehyde treatment was observed in the ileal digesta of the sheep.
PLASMA AMINO ACIDS IN COWS FED HIGH-FIBER UREA-SUPPLEMENTED DIETS
Authors: BOUCHARD R. , CONRAD H. R.
Published: March 2010

A diet containing, on a dry matter basis, 41.8% acid detergent fiber and 17.9% crude protein, of which 55% was obtained from urea, was compared for lactating dairy cows with a diet in which nitrogen was supplied from vegetable protein, and most of the total digestible nutrients were from starch. Dry matter intake was 17.6 and 14.9 kg per day (P < 0.05), 4% fat-corrected milk production was 23.2 and 20.8 kg per day (P < 0.05), and total levels of essential amino acids were 159.78 and 176.14 μg/ml (P < 0.05), respectively, for the cows receiving the protein–starch diet, compared with those receiving the urea–fiber diet. Except for serine, proline, cystine, asparagine and threonine, the plasma amino acids were lower in cows fed the protein–starch diet than in cows fed the fiber–urea diet. The plasma content of all amino acids except aspartic acid, glutamic acid and cystine increased consistently during the 1st mo of lactation. This elevation was coincidental with an increasing daily rate of feed consumption and a more rapidly increasing milk production.
PERFORMANCE OF DWARF BROILER BREEDERS IN LAYING CAGES AND FLOOR PENS AND OF NORMAL BREEDERS IN FLOOR PENS
Authors: STRAIN J. H. , PILOSKI A. P.
Published: March 2010

Dwarf broiler breeders in single-bird cages (DC), in floor pens (DF) and normal broiler breeders in floor pens (NF) were compared for their own and their offspring’s performance. No differences were observed in rate of egg production at 147–329 days of age between the NF and DF birds (48 vs. 47%) whereas the DC birds laid at the rate of 40%. Hen-housed egg numbers for the same period followed the same general pattern (NF, 81; DF, 82; DC, 70 eggs/bird). DF and DC birds consumed less feed per dozen eggs than the NF birds (3.4 vs. 4.3 kg/doz). Egg weights in the early part of the production cycle were not significantly different among the groups but at 294 days of age the normal birds laid larger eggs than the dwarfs (65 vs. 62 g). Dwarfs in cages reached 50% production earlier than the DF or NF birds. Female offspring from the three groups grew at the same rate and weighed 1.7 kg at 56 days of age but there were significant differences in feed conversion (NF, 2.46; DF, 2.43; DC, 2.53 kg/kg body weight produced). Male offspring had small but not statistically significant differences in body weight at 56 days (NF, 2.16; DF, 2.12; DC, 2.09 kg) or feed conversion (NF, 2.30; DF, 2.29; DC, 2.34 kg/kg body weight). Mortality in the offspring ranged from 2.7 to 9.2% but did not differ significantly. Income over feed costs per broiler started did not differ from the three groups regardless of the meat price – feed price combination considered. However, when profit was computed on a breeder hen basis, the DF females were more profitable than either the NF or DC females.
THREONINE AS THE SECOND LIMITING AMINO ACID IN PEACE RIVER BARLEY FOR GROWING–FINISHING PIGS AND GROWING RATS
Authors: AW-YONG L. M. , BEAMES R. M.
Published: March 2010

Barley–lysine diets (0.75% total lysine, 0.37% threonine) with or without additional threonine and methionine were compared with a barley and 15.6% soybean meal control diet in a growth trial with 108 pigs and a metabolism trial with six collection periods per diet. Addition of threonine to the barley–lysine diet improved daily gain, feed efficiency and carcass quality, with the growth results obtained with the 0.10% threonine addition equalling those of the barley–soybean meal diet, except for backfat thickness, which was lower on the soybean meal diet. Nitrogen retention, however, increased up to the maximum level (0.15%) of threonine inclusion, when retention equalled that of the control diet. Addition of 0.10% methionine to the barley diet containing added lysine and threonine resulted in no responses. Growth and balance trials with weanling rats in general confirmed results obtained with the pigs. No additional beneficial effects were obtained when lysine levels were increased from 0.75 to0.90%, even when supplemented with additional threonine. However, in order to obtain results similar to those obtained on the barley–soybean meal diet, threonine additions to the barley had to be increased to 0.20% (0.57% total threonine) with the addition of a mixture containing other essential amino acids. Replacement of the essential amino acid mixture with glycine on an equal nitrogen basis did not produce adequate nitrogen retention or growth rate.
GERMINATION AND SURVIVAL OF COLORADO SPRUCE, SCOTS PINE, CARAGANA, AND SIBERIAN ELM AT FOUR SALINITY AND TWO MOISTURE LEVELS
Authors: Werkhoven C. H. E. , Salisbury P. J. , Cram W. H.
Published: March 2010

In a greenhouse study, salinity levels of ECe = 1, 4, 7, and 10 mmhos/cm at 25° were used to test the salinity tolerance of Colorado spruce (Picea pungens Engelm.), Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.), caragana (Caragana arborescens Lam.), and Siberian elm (Ulmus pumila L.) seedlings at two levels of soil moisture. Emergence, survival, plant height, and dry-matter yield were used as the response criteria.The deciduous species were more salt-tolerant than the coniferous species. In terms of survival, an ECe value of between 7 and 10 mmhos appeared to be critical for caragana and elm in a soil with a moisture content of about midway between the wilting point and field capacity. The corresponding values for spruce and pine were closer to 4 and 6 mmhos respectively. Seedling survival was markedly improved by maintaining the soil moisture level at field capacity.
EFFECT OF COLD TREATMENT ON ALFALFA AS INFLUENCED BY HARVESTING SYSTEM AND RATE OF POTASSIUM APPLICATION
Authors: Calder F. W. , MacLeod L. B.
Published: March 2010

Alfalfa plants were grown in the greenhouse and harvested by three systems: (1) as one hay crop, (2) as two hay crops, and (3) as a hay crop followed by two pasture cuts. The cutting systems were arranged factorially with three levels of potassium fertilization: no potassium, 200 lb K per acre, and 300 lb K per acre. After hardening and freezing in an environmental control chamber, plants which were harvested only once had the best recovery, the most etiolated regrowth, and the highest percent of total available carbohydrates (TAG) in the roots. Plants harvested only once also had the largest root weight but the lowest yield of harvested herbage. One crop harvested at early bloom followed by two pasture cuts produced the second highest herbage yield, the lowest root yield, the lowest percentage of total available carbohydrates in roots, the highest percent K and P in the tissue, the lowest yield of etiolated regrowth, and the poorest recovery after freezing.Plants which received 200 and 300 lb K per acre were not significantly different in most criteria measured but gave higher yields than the plants which did not receive additional K. Etiolated regrowth, percent TAG in the roots, and recovery rating were better for plants fertilized with K. The plants which recovered best after the cold treatment were those fertilized with K and allowed to reach full bloom following the first hay-cut.
THE VALUE OF STANDARD WEATHER DATA IN YIELD–CLIMATE STUDIES OF TWO OAT VARIETIES
Authors: Dermine P. , Klinck H. R.
Published: March 2010

Temperature and precipitation records during various growth phases of oats were studied in relation to the yields of two varieties, Ajax and Roxton, collected at five locations in Eastern Canada, over the 1940–1956 period.Available temperature records consisted of mean maximum, mean minimum, and mean temperature range, taken in standard shelters at 4 ft above ground. Simple correlation coefficients between oat yields and the weather records were small and seldom significant. No marked improvement in correlation sensitivity was gained by separating mean daily temperature into its two components, mean maximum and minimum temperature, nor by considering weather records in relation to given growth phases of the crop. The two oat varieties belonging to opposite maturity ranges, produced correlations of similar signs with the weather data. The relative position of one variety to the other did not display any consistent or significant correlation with the weather data.On the basis of these results, standard weather records were shown to be inadequate to measure the true climate–yield relationship of a widely adapted crop such as oats, in a climate where temperature and precipitation are seldom limiting factors per se.
HERITABILITY OF SEED YIELD COMPONENTS AND SOME VISUALLY EVALUATED CHARACTERS IN REED CANARYGRASS
Authors: Bonin S. G. , Goplen B. P.
Published: March 2010

Heritability estimates were obtained for the three principal components of seed yield in reed canarygrass (Phalaris arundinacea L.): seed shattering, seed weight per panicle, and number of panicles per plant. The heritability estimates were based on Lush’s progeny–parent regression method using data from 32 clones and their open-pollination progenies. Estimates were 91% for seed shattering, 74% for seed weight per panicle, 70% for number of panicles per plant, and 36% for theoretical net yield. Four visually evaluated characters had estimated heritabilities of 81% for spring vigor, 67% for growth habit, 88% for panicle color, and 81% for panicle type.Phenotypic correlations were calculated between all pairs of characters studied, using clonal means. Seed yield was found to be significantly correlated with shattering percentage and seed weight per panicle but not with number or panicles per plant. Low shattering was associated with low spring vigor, few panicles per plant, and upright growth habit. Shattering percentage was not significantly correlated with seed weight per panicle.