bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Net mesenteric and portal absorption and rumen metabolism of volatile fatty acids in forage-fed steers receiving intraruminal propionic acid
Authors: Seal C.J. , Parker D.S.
Published: June 2019

The ability of the gut tissues to absorb nutrients and the extent to which these are then metabolised within the gastrointestinal tract plays a central role in regulating the supply of metabolites to the liver and consequently influences the availability of nutrients for hepatic and peripheral tissue use. Energy consumption by the portal drained viscera is extensive and may account for 25% of total body oxygen consumption (Huntington and Reynolds, 1987). Substrates available for oxidative metabolism include volatile fatty acids (VFA) produced in the rumen and large intestine as addition to arterial supply of these nutrients. The aim of this experiment was to investigate the influence of increased propionate availability on metabolism of VFA in the rumen and the gastrointestinal tract.
The effect of feeding level during a 12-day progesterone-priming period on the viability of embryos collected from superovulated ewes.
Authors: McEvoy T.G. , Robinson J.J. , Aitken R.P. , Kyle C.E. , Robertson I.S.
Published: June 2019

Several studies have shown that the level of peri- and post-ovulatory progesterone in ewes can critically influence embryo survival (Ashworth, Sales & Wilmut, 1989; Parr, 1992). However, the effect of altering pre-ovulatory progesterone concentrations in superovulated sheep has not been fully investigated. In view of the inverse relationship between the plasma concentration of progesterone and food intake (McKelvey & Robinson, 1986; Parr, 1992), the present study was carried out to determine the effect of altering feed intake on progesterone concentrations during the pre-ovulatory priming phase and on the subsequent viability of ova collected from superovulated ewes.
The use of a hyper-osmotic diluent for freezing ram semen
Authors: Ahangari Y.J. , Axford R.E.F. , ApDewi I.
Published: June 2019

When semen is frozen ice forms extracellularly, and water is drawn from the cells (Mazur, 1970). Rapid freezing reduces dehydration and causes intracellular ice to form more quickly (Mazur, 1980). Cells frozen rapidly in liquid nitrogen do not survive, suggesting that partial dehydration is necessary for spermatozoa to survive freezing (Fahy et aL, 1984). Watson (1979) suggested that non-penetrating sugars have protective effects on spermatozoa during freezing. The addition of a non-penetrating solute such as raffinose to semen will dehydrate the cells by its osmotic effect.

The object of this study was to investigate the effect of raffinose on cryoinjury of ram spermatozoa.

Experiment 1.Raffinose was added to Tris egg-yolk glycerol buffer (Evans and Maxwell (1987) to concentrations of 0mM, 33mM, 66mM, 99mM, 132mM, 165mM and 198mM raffinose and used to extend (2:1) pooled semen from Cambridge rams.

Factorial experiments with 3 replications were set up to test the effect of raffinose concentration, glycerol concentration, method of packaging of semen, pellet size and cooling rate of straws on the motility and survival of ram semen before and after freezing/thawing.
The effect of dietary inclusions of phytase and yeast on apparent phosphorus digestibility in pigs.
Authors: Khan Naheeda , Cole D.J.A.
Published: June 2019

Enzymic hydrolysis of phytates has been shown to improve the apparent digestibility of phosphorus. Other nutrients bound to phytates may be released during phytate degradation by phytases. Dietary yeast may also improve the availability of phosphorus to pigs by altering gut fermentation patterns.

The objectives of this experiment were (1) to study the effects of phytase on the apparent digestibility of phosphorus and other nutrients associated with phytates, and (2) to determine whether an alteration in fermentation induced by dietary yeast inclusion influenced availability of phosphorus.
Nutritional modification of body composition in genetically lean breeding sows and the consequences for reproductive performance
Authors: O'Dowd S. , Hoste S. , Mercer J.T. , Fowler V.R. , Edwards S.A.
Published: June 2019

Selection for the reduction of carcase fat and the promotion of lean tissue growth has resulted in the production of faster growing, genetically lean breeding females. These animals often have very limited body fat reserves to utilise at times of high nutrient demand, such as during lactation. It is possible that reproductive performance and longevity may be improved as a consequence of alteration of the body composition of the breeding female by nutritional means.

The experiment was designed to investigate the consequences for genetically lean animals of restricting lean tissue growth and promoting fat deposition in the period prior to a maiden service and in gestation using a low protein diet, and minimising fat loss in lactation using a nutrient dense diet (Treatment E) in comparison with feeding a conventional single diet (Treatment C). Two hundred and forty purebred Large White and Landrace gilts were allocated to one of these two nutritional regimes at 6 months of age on the basis of breed, liveweight and backfat. Animals remained on treatment for three parities and growth and performance parameters were monitored.
The effect of age and diet on the viscosity of intestinal contents in broiler chicks
Authors: Petersen S. T. , Wiseman J. , Bedford M.
Published: June 2019

It is generally considered that increased digesta viscosity is one mode of action by which antinutritional factors such as β-glucans in barley and arabinoxylans in wheat reduce digestibility of nutrients in broilers. The increased viscosity interferes, possibly, with the activity of digestive enzymes and subsequent movement of nutrients prior to absorption, therefore ultimately depressing growth rate and feed conversion. Experimental diets are usually fed for approximately three weeks prior to evaluation of gut viscosity. However viscosity may change considerably during and after this time to a degree which may be influenced by the feeding regime employed. Accordingly, the current series of experiments was designed to identify the pattern of change of gut viscosity as influenced by age of bird (15 to 45 days) and feeding regime when diets based on wheat and barley were offered.
Welfare aspects of the perchery systea of housing for laying hens
Authors: Alvey D M , Tucker S A
Published: June 2019

There is continuing public concern about the welfare of poultry kept in battery cages. However, current alternative systems would be unsuitable to fill the gap if cages were to be banned. Many welfare problems have been encountered with alternative systems. These include feather pecking, cannibalism, poor foot condition, bone breakage, poor production, high feed intake and floor egg laying. In 4 studies, between 1988 and 1992, the effect of the Gleadthorpe design of perchery on the performance, behaviour and welfare of laying hens was evaluated.

The perchery consisted of 2 perch units constructed on wooden slatted platforms over a droppings pit. A block of 5 tier high nestboxes was provided along each side of the perchery. The nestboxes were of a rear roll-away type and contained “Astroturf” nest pads. Litter areas were available between the 2 perch units and between the perch units and the blocks of nest boxes.
Recent findings on tibial dyschondroplasia in broilers and osteoporosis in caged layers
Authors: Whitehead C.C. , Rennie J.S. , Farquharson C. , Fleming R.H.
Published: June 2019

The skeletal disorders causing the most severe welfare problems in different classes of poultry are bone growth disorders in young birds and bone fragility in older laying hens.

Angular and rotational deformities of leg bones are widespread in young birds, especially in broilers but also in turkeys. Dyschondroplasia is a widely observed defect in the growth plates of leg bones. It occurs most noticeably in the growth plate of the proximal tibia, the fastest growing bone in the young broiler, and is frequently referred to as tibial dyschondroplasia (TD). Resulting from a failure of growth plate chondrocytes to differentiate fully, it leads to a build up of a mass of prehypertrophic chondrocytes. The lesions develop between the ages of 2 and 5 weeks and can regress thereafter.

The importance of TD in causing bone deformity was assessed by carrying out sequential radiography of the proximal tibias of a group of 20 broilers growing up to 16 weeks of age. At this time the tibias were dissected and the angulation of the proximal end (tibial plateau angle, TP°) was measured. The severities and durations of the TD lesions, assessed by radiography, were found to be highly correlated with the TP°. Birds with abnormally large TP° were obviously lame. These observations confirm that TD can lead to distortion of bone growth and that this can contribute to lameness in broilers (Lynch et al., 1992).
Welfare effects of a new head restraint for slaughter cattle.
Authors: Anil M.H. , Warttig S. , McKinstry J.L.
Published: June 2019

The Slaughter of Animals (Humane Conditions) Regulation 1990 requires head restraint for stunning slaughter cattle as of July 1992. This change has been brought about in order to improve captive bolt shooting accuracy and stunning effectiveness. As the target area to aim for on the head for effective stunning is relatively small it is hoped that restricting the head movements will increase shooting accuracy, stunning effectiveness and improve welfare. However, concern has been raised about the possible stress effects of using a restraint. A new system has been developed in Bristol (Department of Meat Animal Science) and is designed to immobilise the head by two pneumatically operated vertical bars for a short time sufficient to enable the operator to aim the the gun at the target area.
Assessment of Immune Responses as Indicators of Welfare in Calves.
Authors: Mackenzie A. M. , Rowan T. G. , Carter S. D. , Dixon J. B. , Tebble J.
Published: June 2019

The welfare of domestic food animals has been defined by their state as regards their attempts to cope with their environment(Broom, 1986). Attempts made by the animals to cope can be successful or unsuccessful; unsuccessful attempts are defined as poor welfare. The assessment of animal welfare may be made, for example, ethological, endocrinological and immunological methods. Poor welfare has been associated with increased disease susceptibility; furthermore stress can cause immunosupression (reviewed by Kelley, 1980). Therefore, immune responses should indicate the welfare of an animal. An experiment was designed to assess immune responses as indicators of welfare of calves kept in different husbandry conditions.
Effect of Transportation and Husbandry on Humoral Immune Responses in Suckler Calves.
Authors: Mackenzie A. M. , Drennan M. , Rowan T. G. , Carter S. D. , Dixon J. B. , Tebble J.
Published: June 2019

The trade between European community (EC) countries involving the transportation of live calves has, with the advent of 1993, considerably increased. In the UK alone, thousands of calves are transported on lorries and ferries and exported to other EC countries each year. An increase in the incidence of ‘shipping fever’, the general classification in American feedlots for bacterial or viral respiratory infections in cattle, has been observed following transportation. Further observations have shown an increased disease susceptibility following transportation and research has suggested that this is due to immunosuppression. An experiment was designed to investigate the effects of transportation and other normal husbandry variables on their ability to mount antibody responses to a specific antigen in suckler calves.
Characterisation of Behavioural Types in Pigs: The Relationship Between Feeding Behaviour and Social Rank
Authors: Spoolder H.A.M. , Burbidge J.A. , Lawrence A.B. , Simmins P.H. , Edwards S.A. , Terlouw E.M.C.
Published: June 2019

In intensive farming, it is Important to remember that each individual animal has its own needs (Hughes and Duncan, 1988). In pigs, close confinement and food restriction can result in the development of abnormal behaviour. Terlouw et al. (1990) suggest that an individual's temperament may influence the development of such behaviour and therefore how a pig copes with environmental stress. Individual differences in behaviour are consistent and measurable (e.g. Lyons et al.. 1988). By determining an animal's temperament using a characteristic profile, it may it may be possible to predict the response of a temperament “type” to certain conditions.

This study is part of a larger project concerned with the effects of housing and feed level on the development of behaviours in group-housed gilts. All the pigs entered a series of tests to measure individual characteristics prior to the main experiment. Two of the tests, one measuring feeding motivation and the other social behaviour, are compared here.
Patterns of Response of Some Physiological Indices of Stress in Pigs Negotiating Loading Ramps
Authors: Brown S.N. , Knowles T.G. , McKinstry J.L. , Edwards J.E. , Anil M.H. , Warriss P.D.
Published: June 2019

Many reports have examined the effect of subjecting animals to stress and a variety of physiological indices have been used to monitor their responses. The indices are often only measured at one point in time and compared to resting levels. Problems could arise in interpretation of the results especially where there is little or no information on the time course of response. This work examined the pattern or response of various indices to the stress of negotiating a loading ramp.

Four pigs of approximately 60 kg live weight were surgically prepared and indwelling catheters placed in both jugular veins. The animals were allowed to recover for three days and to become accustomed to the blood sampling procedure before the experiment. The pigs were driven individually up a 2.44m long ramp which was set at an angle of 34° lo the horizontal, the maximum allowed under UK legislation for internal vehicle ramps (Transport of Animals (Road and Rail) Order, 1975). Nine blood samples were removed at intervals from each pig. The whole process was repealed on each individual pig for three days.
A long-term study of the effects of housing conditions on the welfare of domestic pigs
Authors: Mendl M. , Broom D.M. , Zanella A.J.
Published: June 2019

In view of the forthcoming UK ban on stall and tether housing for sows, the long-term consequences of housing pregnant pigs in alternative systems were assessed. The objective of the study was to examine the effects of two indoor group-housing systems on measures of the welfare of pregnant pigs, and to compare pigs housed in these systems with pigs housed in stalls. The study followed 63 female pigs from early life until their fourth pregnancy. A longitudinal experimental design was used to obtain information on how the pigs responded to their initial introduction to the three housing systems (during the first pregnancy), and how they adjusted to the systems over time (in the fourth pregnancy).
Litter size in the matebele goat and its effects on productivity
Authors: Majele-Sibanda L , Bryant M.J. , Ndlovu L.R.
Published: June 2019

The Matebele goat is indigenous to the Gwanda-Thuli area of Matebeleland. It is relatively large in size compared to most goats of the tropics, males being around 65 cm at the withers and weighing more than 35 kg, and is similar to many of the goat breeds found in southern Africa.

Goats are usually kept by poor small-holder farmers and are frequently found in regions with few resources where other livestock have difficulties in surviving. Goats are important to the subsistence and economic development of peasant farmers because goats are cheaper to procure than cattle and provide a constant supply of essential food (both meat and milk) and cash income throughout the year. However, goats have a low priority in most households and little attention is given to their husbandry and welfare. This hampers attempts to improve the productivity of the goats. The results reported here demonstrate the effects of multiple births in Matebele goats upon the overall productivity of the animals.
An evaluation of artificial insemination on breeding performance in a commercial pedigree flock of lleyn ewes
Authors: Minter C.M.
Published: June 2019

Artificial Insemination can be used in conjunction with controlled breeding to provide the following advantages. It can overcome the need for a 1 : 10 ram to ewe ratio, within a controlled breeding programme A.I. can be used to identify genetically superior sires, high merit rams may then be made more freely available to farmers so achieving higher rates of genetic improvement. As techniques within the U.K. have improved artificial insemination has now gained greater acceptance within the sheep industry. The objectives of this study were to examine the conception rates and litter sizes to first service, comparing natural and artificial insemination on a commercial farm.
Plasma β-endorphin and LH during prolonged hypoglycaemia in ewes
Authors: Eloy A.M.X. , Rodway R.G.
Published: June 2019

Normal reproductive function in female animals can be drastically impaired by a variety of stressful stimuli. For example, undernutrition and hypoglycaemia in sheep have been shown to suppress pulsatile LH secretion and to reduce the number of ewes showing pre-ovulatory LH peaks (Crump and Rodway 1986, Clarke et al. 1990). Similar stresses are also known to cause release of the opioid peptide β-endorphin into the circulation. Opioids are well-known to have a central inhibitory effect on LH release, although whether the elevated plasma concentrations of these peptides have any effect on LH secretion is unclear. The present study investigated the affect of insulin-induced hypoglycaemia on plasma concentrations of β-endorphin and LH.
Urea-treated straw as an ingredient in dairy cow diets
Authors: Iqbal N. , Leaver J.D.
Published: June 2019

Cereal straw is the most abundant of crop residues and is an important feed resource especially in tropical countries. The limitations to its use arise from its high cellulose and lignin and low nitrogen content. The objectives of this research were to investigate the use of urea for the treatment of wheat straw and incorporation of the forage into dairy cow diets.

In Experiment 1, 8 lactating Holstein Friesian cows were used in two 4 x 4 Latin Squares with three week periods. The treatments were; A - red clover silage (CS) ad libitum. B - 5kg DM/day CS + urea treated straw (TST) ad libitum. C - as for B but using untreated straw (UST), D - as for C but the straw was wetted at feeding to produce the same DM as TST (WST 600 g DM/kg). TST was treated with 5% urea (DM basis) and stored for 4-13 weeks. All cows were fed 6.4 kg DM/day of molassed sugarbeet pulp (MSBP) and o.6 kg DM/day of cottonseed meal (CSM).

In Experiment 2, 10 Holstein Friesian cows were used in an incomplete Latin Square design of four 3 week periods. The treatments were; E - CS, F - 25% UST + 75% CS, G - 50% UST + 50% CS, H - 25% TST + 75% CS, I - 50% TST + 50% CS. All forages were offered ad libitum, arid in F to I pairs of forages were mixed. The urea was applied to TST at a rate of 7.5% (DM basis). The concentrate was 4.7 kg DM/day of MSBP and 2.3 kg DM/day of soya meal.
Genetic parameters of lamb carcase composition at three endpoints; age, weight and fat cover.
Authors: Pollott G.E. , Guy D.R. , Croston D.
Published: June 2019

The common point at which lambs are compared is an important aspect of selection programmes for lamb carcase composition. Terminal sire flocks in the Meat and Livestock Commission's (MLC) Sheepbreeder scheme have an estimated breeding value for lean meat production calculated on their lambs at a fixed age, 20 or 21 weeks depending on the breed. However, lambs sold for slaughter from commercial flocks are killed at a commercially acceptable fat cover. In addition, many of the estimates of genetic parameters used to estimate breeding values for carcase characteristics have been calculated at a fixed weight. Little information is available on the relationship between genetic parameters calculated at these three endpoints or the effect of selecting lambs at one endpoint in breeding programmes and using a second endpoint for the slaughter generation. These issues are investigated in this paper.
An Assessment of Growth Potential in Small Sized British Sheep Breeds
Authors: Friggens N. C. , McClelland T.H. , Kyriazakis I. , Shanks M.
Published: June 2019

Lamb producers in the Less Favoured Areas (LFAs) of the European Community appear, for different reasons, to be constrained by the economic value of the indigenous small-sized sheep breeds. The trial reported here forms part of a collaborative project whose overall aim is to improve the quality and marketability of sheep meat produced in the LFAs. The objective of this trial was to assess the growth potential of nine small sized sheep breeds, across three centres, providing a basis for subsequent production work. The three collaborating centres in Greece (paper no. 112), Spain (paper no. 26) and Scotland used indigenous breeds appropriate to their LFAs. The three British breeds studied were Scottish Blackface (SB), Welsh Mountain (WM), and Shetland (SH).
Effects of the utilization of mountain resources on Body Condition scoring in Latxa ewes and its consequences on reproductive performance.
Authors: Oregui Luis. M. , Bravo María V. , Gabiña Dunixi
Published: June 2019

In the productive cycle of Latxa sheep we can distinguish two different periods. In winter and spring months the flocks are grazing the valley meadows and receiving indoors supplementation in relation to the productive situation of ewes, late pregnancy, suckling or milking. In the rest of the year, 120-180 days, which correspond to the main part of summer and autumn, the ewes are grazing mountain communal pastures (700-1.400 m. altitude) without any supplementation and little surveillance. Since in this period the ewes theoretically recover their body reserves, and the mating takes place, we have studied the evolution of Body Condition score (BCS) of ewes and the effect of BCS on the reproductive performance of the ewes.

During two years we have determinated monthly the BCS of 20% of the ewes older than 1 year in 14 commercial flocks of Latxa breed. During the visits we made also a visual evaluation of the grazed areas, and the height of the grass in the pastured areas was determinated by means of the H.F.R.O. Sward Stick, if possible.
Carcass composition in lambs of greek dairy breeds of sheep at different degrees of maturity
Authors: Zygoyiannis D. , Stamataris C. , Katsaounis N.
Published: June 2019

The indigenous sheep breeds of Greece, which are used mainly for milk production, produce lambs which are killed at weaning to provide carcasses (including the head, pluck, liver, spleen and the omental and mesenteric fat) of 5 to 9 Kg. The production of heavier carcases could be of benefit if they are acceptable to consumers and if they could be economically produced. The purpose of this experiment was to characterise the growth and development of the entire males and females of three Greek breeds under conditions presumed to be non-limiting.

Animals. From each of three breeds, Boutsiko (B), Serres (S) and Karagouniko (K), 20 lambs of each sex were used in a serial slaughter experiment. Four animals of each breed/sex combination were killed at live weights which were 25, 35, 50, 70 and 100% of the estimated mature values. All sheep were weaned at 6 weeks of age and the males were entire.
Ewe performance, colostrum yield and serum progesterone concentration of single, twin and triplet bearing ewes fed silage
Authors: Crosby T. F. , O'Doherty J. V.
Published: June 2019

There are conflicting data in the literature on the effects of litter size on colostrum production. Shubber et al.,(1979a) reported highest colostrum production in triplet bearing ewes compared with ewes carrying singles or twins. Other researchers (Hall et al.,1989; Shubber et al.,1979b) agree that ewes producing twins yield most colostrum. Hall et al., (1989) also reported that progesterone concentrations before and after parturition increased with litter size and Hartmann et al.,(1973) found that progesterone withdrawl is a prerequisite for lactogenesis and the onset of copious milk secretion. The objective of this experiment was to evaluate the performance of single, twin and triplet bearing ewes in relation to ewe performance, progesterone concentration, quantity and quality of colostrum.

Single (Tl, n=35), twin (T2, n=25) and triplet (T3, n=29) bearing oestrous synchronised ewes of mixed lowland breeds (mainly Suffolk cross, greyface and halfbred), were selected following winter shearing and pregnancy scanning in December.
Evaluation of malt distillers wet grains for pregnant ewes
Authors: Vipond J E , Lewis M
Published: June 2019

Malt distillers wet grains (MDG) are an important feed source of ruminants in Scotland with an annual production of 220,000 T. Ensiled MDG is commonly fed to ewes but little information is available on the optimal inclusion level in the diet for pregnant ewes. Of particular interest is the maximum inclusion rate as MDG is frequently the least cost dietary component. MDG are high in unsaturated oil, which, owing to its inhibitory effect on rumen bacteria, results in reduced intakes and digestibility of diets containing high levels of MDG. Furthermore MDG are devoid of soluble minerals such as potassium and sodium. Previous experiments with cattle (Lewis and Lowman, 1987) and lambs (Vipond et al, 1992) have shown that supplementation of MDG with a mineral mix (MDG mineral) containing high levels of potassium, calcium and magnesium can overcome these deficiencies and promote higher intakes and improve performance. Such a mineral was used in this trial.
Prediction of digestibility and intake of sheep fed different quality hays from the kinetics of gas production or dry matter degradation
Authors: Dentinho M.T. , Khazaal K. , Ribeiro J.M. , Ørskov E.R.
Published: June 2019

Without chemical analysis, Blummel and Ørskov (1992) adapted the in vitro gas test (Menke and Steingass, 1988) and used the exponential equation p=a+b (l-e-ct) to describe the kinetics of fermentation of 10 straws. They reported high correlation with animal performance. The aim of the present study was to adopt a similar approach and assess the gas test in comparison with nylon bag for the prediction of intake or DM digestibility of 10 different quality hays.

Ten hays consisting of 3 harvesting stages of lucerne (Medicago sativa), sweet clover (Melilotus segetalis), persian clover (Trifolium resupinatum) and Italian rye-grass (Lolium multiflorum). Each hay was fed ad libitum to 4 Merino male sheep and their intake (g dry matter (DM)/day/KgW0.75) and in vivo DMD were recorded.
The effect of level of milk intake and protein content in the post-weaning diet on internal fat distribution of lambs
Authors: Manso T. , Mantecón A.R. , Chaso M.A. , Lavin P. , Castro T.
Published: June 2019

The effect of food restriction and subsequent realimentation depends on age of animals at restriction and energy/protein relationship during post-restriction period (Ryan, 1990). In Spanish Churra breed the internal fat depots are the most important energy reserves (Frutos et al., 1991) and the proportion of different depots after restriction could be affect to recovery during realimentation.

The aim of this paper is to study the effect of level of intake during milk-fed period and the protein content in the diet during the post-weaning period on the performance and different internal fat depots in the Churra lambs until they were 20 Kg of live weigth (LW).
The effect of the reproductive state and concentrate supplementation on ruminal outflow rates of digesta in ewes
Authors: Pérez J. F. , Gasa J. , Castrillo C. , Rubio C. , Guada J. A.
Published: June 2019

Utilization of low quality roughage is fundamentally limited by its low energy content and low voluntary intake when fed to the ruminant animal; these being mainly determined by the simultaneous action of degradation in and outflow rates through the reticulum-rumen. While factors affecting rumen degradation rate are extensively described in bibliography, those related with rumen digesta outflow are not clear enough.

The objective of this study was to study the effect of the reproductive state and the level of concentrate supplementation upon ruminal outflow rates of digesta in ewes fed on straw based diets.
Effect of Free Fatty Acid Content on the Digestible Energy Value of Soyabean Oil and Tallow Fed to Growing / Finishing Pigs.
Authors: Powlesa J. , Wiseman J , Cole D J A , Hardy B
Published: June 2019

In addition to the degree of saturation, the second major chemical variable that influences the dietary energy value of fats is the free fatty acid (FFA) content. Whilst it is appreciated that the digestible energy (DE) value of a hydrolysed fat (i.e. with a high FFA content) is lower than that of the same fat prior to hydrolysis, quantifying the response remains to be studied. Previous attempts to evaluate the effect of increasing FFA content have often been confounded with variability in degree of saturation. Accordingly it was the objective of the current study to examine the DE value of fats of varying FFA content but of constant degree of saturation.
The selection of winter wheat varieties for whole-crop cereal conservation
Authors: Weller R.F. , Cooper A. , Phipps R.H.
Published: June 2019

Interest in conserving whole-crop cereals as a complementary forage for feeding with grass silage has increased sharply in recent years. In many areas of the UK conserving whole-crop cereals is a viable alternative to forage maize, providing extra forage when the available stocks of grass silage are either low or of moderate quality. Although winter wheat is the main cereal used for forage conservation little information is available on the differences between varieties in either yield or quality.

The aims of the present trial were to determine the changes in the yield and quality of winter wheat varieties harvested at different stages of maturity.
The Composition and Energy value of Big Bale Grass Silages
Authors: Givens D.I. , Moss Angela R. , Deaville E.R.
Published: June 2019

In recent years the quantity of grass silage as big bales has increased substantially, both in the UK and elsewhere. Eyers (1989) reported that about 16% of the grass silage dry matter (DM) conserved in England and Wales was in the form of big bales.

Whilst there is now considerable information on the composition, nutritive value and laboratory procedures for predicting the digestibility and energy value of clamp silage, there are few comparable data for big bale silages. The objectives of the present work were to examine the composition, digestibility and energy value of a population of big bale silages and to compare relationships between laboratory measurements and digestibility in vivo with those derived earlier for clamp silages (Givens et al., 1989).
The effect of feeding diets based on grass silage or wheat to pregnant housed ewes on ewe and lamb performance
Authors: Johnson P N
Published: June 2019

Feeding pregnant ewes on silage-based rations during housing is widely practised. However, silage making is a capital intensive procedure and the cost is likely to increase due to pollution legislation. Feeding ewes on a cereal-based ration may be a cost effective alternative. This is especially relevant due to the ban on straw burning and the possibility of CAP reform forcing cereal prices down. This experiment compares the effect of silage- and wheat-based rations during the winter housing period on ewe and lamb performance.

Approximately 260 mule (Bluefaced Leicester x Swaledale) ewes were selected from the breeding flock at the time of winter housing in January 1989, 1990 and 1991. They had previously been at grass and had run with Suffolk rams between mid-October and mid-December.
The effect of complementary supplements on grass silage intake
Authors: Moseley G.
Published: June 2019

Grass silage provides more than 80% of winter forage for livestock but, despite significant advances in ensilage methods, there remain significant problems of low intake, poor nutrient utilization and high effluent losses. The use of complementary concentrate supplements formulated to match silage composition, and the addition of absorbent feed compounds to grass during ensilage were examined as a means of addressing these problems.

Two contrasting silages were made from the same grass crop, either by applying Add Safe (3.51/T) or by adding an absorbent silage enhancing feed compound (kg/T) during ensilage. These were fed to groups of wether sheep either alone or with a complementary supplement and dry matter intake, digestibility and nutrient balances were estimated.
Effect of drying temperature and method of analysis on the measurement of cell mall content in forages
Authors: Deaville E.R. , Givens D.I.
Published: June 2019

Since the cell wall content (CWC) and cell wall digestibility are the main factors influencing the animal's energy supply from forages, the ability to accurately measure CWC is crucial. This is becoming increasingly important as feed evaluation methods move towards a more dynamic approach of assessing nutrient supply from a wide range of substrates in order to reflect the two-stage nature of digestion in ruminants. Originally developed for forages, the neutral detergent fibre (NDF) procedure of Goering and Van Soest (1970) is generally regarded as providing a satisfactory measure of CWC despite the fact that varying amounts of cell wall pectins are soluble in neutral detergent solution (Chesson, 1986). However, previous work (IVVO, 1991) suggests that sample drying temperature and other factors can influence the measurement of CWC. An experiment was undertaken to study the effect of different drying temperatures and method of NDF analysis on the measurement of CWC in different forage types.
Acute and Chronic effects of ß-Agonist Treatment on Calpastatin Gene Expression and Muscle Growth in Sheep.
Authors: Speck P.A. , Collingwood K.M. , Bardsley R.G. , Gilmour R.S. , Tucker G.A. , Buttery P.J.
Published: June 2019

There is a multitude of physiological and metabolic effects that could occur in animals fed ß adrenergic agonists. Many of these could contribute directly or indirectly to the repartitioning effect. ß-agonists are known to stimulate muscle hypertrophy at least partially by reducing the rate of myofibrillar degradation. It is presumed that the changes in muscle growth are associated with changes in the calpain system, which includes the calpain specific inhibitor, calpastatm. Parr et al., (1992) demonstrated a significant effect of ß agonist treatment on calpastatin gene expression in cattle when measurements were made on day 42 of treatment. The present study was conducted to assess the acute and chronic effects of ß; agonist treatment on muscle growth and calpastatin (both in terms of gene expression and enzyme activity), the interpretation of which would provide an insight into the role of the calpain system in muscle growth.
Adhesion of lactobacilli to small intestinal cells
Authors: Phillips A M , Parker . D S
Published: June 2019

Lactobacilli have been shown to inhabit the proximal regions of the digestive tract of many species of animals, and some of these lactobacilli have the ability to adhere to and colonise the epithelium of the oesophagus (Tannock, Blummershine and Archibald, 1987) and stomach (Fuller and Turvey, 1971; Tannocket al., 1982), whilst others appear to be associated with the small intestine (Tannocket al., 1982). The mechanisms by which these bacteria colonise their habitats is still unclear.In this study the adhesion of lactobacilli, isolated from the small intestine of pigs, to porcine small intestinal cells was investigated.
Changes in the trace element concentrations of developing chick embryo brain tissue
Authors: MacPherson A. , Dixon J. , Noble R.C. , Speake B. , Cocchi M.
Published: June 2019

Polyunsaturated fatty acids(PUFA) are vitally important for normal neonatal development. As well as providing a source of energy they are intrinsically involved in the establishment and maintenance of cell membrane structure and function. High PUFA levels, however, are subject to peroxidation and consequently require to be protected against free radical attack via an adequate antioxidant supply. The avian embryo was used as a model system as it is particularly dependent on PUFA and poor hatchability has recently been linked to inadequate PUFA metabolism. The micronutrient elements Se, Cu, Zn, Fe and Mn are involved in the antioxidant complex through their presence in the enzymes glutathione peroxidase (GSH-PX), superoxide dismutases (SOD) and catalase. The concentrations of these elements were measured in eggs and in chick embryonic and post hatch brains at different stages of development in order to elucidate their roles in the maintenance of PUFA metabolism.
The effect of drying method on the degradation characteristics of grass silage
Authors: Chamberlain A T , Endalew F
Published: June 2019

The metabolisable protein system (AFRC, 1992) requires the measurement of the dynamics of the degradation of protein in the rumen. However many drying techniques used during sample preparation cause protein damage and denaturation which may affect the subsequent assessment. The objective of this work was to compare the dry matter and nitrogen degradation profiles of samples of grass silage dried using a range of techniques.

One kilogram samples of first cut grass (Lolium perenne) silage (156 g CP/kg DM) were air dried (AD), freeze dried (FD), dried at 50 (OD50) or 100°C (OD100) in a still air oven or dried in a microwave oven (MD) on the ‘defrost’ setting. In sacco degradability was assessed in fistulated yearling wether sheep, using a 5x5 Latin square and incubation times of 3,6,12,24 and 48 hours. Bags size was nn x nn cm with a sample size of 3 g. Bags were rinsed and frozen upon removal, mechanically washed and dried at 60°C before analysis. Dry matter and nitrogen disappearance data for each sheep was fitted to the model y = a + b(1-e-ct) using non-linear regression.
The effect of gossypol on the rumen microbial degradation of grass hay under consecutive batch culture (CBC)
Authors: Ismartoyo  , Acamovic T. , Stewart C.S.
Published: June 2019

Gossypol ﹛2,2'-bi(8-Formyl-l,6,7 trihydroxy-5-isopropyl-3-methyl naphthalene)﹜ is a toxic polyphenolic factor indigenous to the cotton plant. Concentrations of free gossypol contained in such feed stuffs as whole cottonseed (WCS) vary considerably. WCS is fed widely to animals. Free gossypol is extractable with aceton-water (70:30) and is toxic to monogastric animals. Bound gossypol has been considered relatively non-toxic. Calhoun et al (1991) has demonstrated there was extensive binding of free gossypol in ruminant digestive system. But they did not support the suggestion that bound gossypol is released during digestion in the small intestine. The present experiment examined the effect of gossypol on the rumen microbial degradation of grass hay (GH) under CBC. In sacco rumen digestion was also conducted to examine DM, CP and ADF digestibilities of grass hay and whole cottonseed at 48 h.
Diurnal variation in urinary purine derivative excretion of dairy cows on different feeding patterns
Authors: Moorby J.M. , Dewhurst R.J.
Published: June 2019

Diurnal variation in the yield of microbial protein from the rumen may limit the use of urinary purine derivatives (PD) to estimate microbial protein yield from the rumen when assessed using spot samples. Chen, Grubic, Ørskov and Osuji (1992) found only small differences in the urinary PD excretion in young steers, and even less variation when PD excretion was estimated as a ratio to urinary creatinine. Lactating dairy cows have a much higher feed intake than steers and as a consequence may exhibit greater diurnal variation in urinary PD excretion. An examination of data from three experiments was undertaken to assess the effects of diurnal variation in rumen microbial protein yield on urinary PD excretion.
Effect of diets differing in the ratio of nolassed sugar beet feed to barley and yeast culture on growth and rumen metabolism of sheep
Authors: Rouzbehan Y. , Rooke J.A. , Galbraith H. , Perrott J.G.
Published: June 2019

The efficiency of conversion of Metabolisable Energy into live weight gain by growing sheep may be improved by the partial substitution of fibrous diets with barley. This effect is associated with a reduction in the ratio of acetate to propionate in rumen fluid. Previous studies (Galbraith et al. 1988, 1989) have investigated responses of lambs to combinations of molassed sugar beet feed (MSBF) and barley and found a ratio of 0·75:0·25 MSBF:barley to be as effective as 0·25:0·75 when the diets were ground and pelleted.The incorporation of the yeast culture product, Yea-sacc, has been associated with increases in the concentrations of propionate in the rumen and variable growth responses in ruminants. The objectives of the present study were to investigate diets for finishing lambs which differed in the ratios of pelleted shreds of MSBF and barley and the effects of supplementation with Yea-sacc on growth, rumen metabolites and the physical properties of the diets.
Effect of Sward Height on Rumen Degradation in Merino Grazing Sheep
Authors: Mantecón A.R. , Carro M.D. , Giráldez F.J. , Ranilla M.J. , Revesado P.R. , González J.S.
Published: June 2019

It is now well established that the height of the sward grazed by sheep has a large effect on their performance (Hodgson, Mackie and Parker, 1986). However, there is a scarce of information about the rumen fermentation in sheep grazing at different sward heights. The aim of this experiment was to study the effect of sward height (4 vs 6 cm) on the rumen fermentation in Merino sheep which were continuously maintained on the pasture.

The study was carried out on a continuously stocked pasture in August 1992. Twenty mature Merino sheep were used to obtain two different sward heights: 4 cm (low; LSH) and 6 cm (high; HSH). Sward height was measured twice weekly using a swardstick and was controlled by the addition and removal of sheep. Herbage mass was of 633 and 1397 kg of dry matter (DM)/Ha for the LSH and HSH paddocks, respectively.
The effect of reduced protein supply on energy and nitrogen metabolism in early lactation
cows
Authors: Sutter F. , Beever D.E.
Published: June 2019

After calving, milk secretion in dairy cows increases rapidly, but the slower rate of increase in feed intake by the cow can lead to a substantial negative energy balance in the animal. Consequently, body tissues, comprising principally of adipose tissue are mobilised and this energy contribution is accounted for in calculating the feeding regime of the animal. In contrast, the extent of body protein mobilisation is considered to be much less but the potential contribution of such to the animal's protein requirements for milk synthesis are neither recognised or exploited in most of the feeding systems used in Europe, including the Swiss ‘APD’ system. The objective of this study was to examine the effect of reducing the calculated supply of absorbed protein on the secretion of milk and milk constituents and whole body energy and nitrogen metabolism in order to quantify any possible contribution of body protein to the nutrition of early lactation cows.
The intake and digestion of high and low digestibility ryegrass hays by South American camelids and sheep
Authors: Riley Judith A. , Baker D.H. , Moseley G.
Published: June 2019

The use of South American camelids, as producers of fine fibres, has been proposed as a means of agricultural diversification. Relatively little is known however, of their nutrition and digestive ability under U.K. conditions. The present study was undertaken to determine if South American camelids (llama x guanaco) differ from sheep in terms of the voluntary intake and digestibility of contrasting forages.

Two chaffed ryegrass hays of high (A) and low (B) nutritive value were fed ad libitum to six animals of each species for two periods of 22 days in a cross-over design.
Effect of Basal Diet on Sheep Rumen Degradability of Different Feedstuffs
Authors: Chaso M.A. , Manso T. , Giráldez F.J. , Mantecón A.R.
Published: June 2019

The provision of grain supplements to ruminants provide extra fermentable organic matter for the rumen microbial biomass, but often results in a lower whole efficient of ruminal digestion (Obaraet al., 1991; Weakleyet al., 1983). The present study was conducted to evaluate the effect of different basal diets on rumen degradability of several feedstuffs.

Ruminal digestion of three feedstuffs - soybean meal (SBM), lucerne hay (LH) and barley straw (BS) - was determined byin saccomethod according a 2 × 3 factorial design defined by 2 basal diets - lucerne hay (H) or lucerne hay plus barley (40:60; HB) - and three churra ewes fitted with ruminal cannula.
Effects of Sustained Release Boluses Providing Selenium and Vitamin E on Blood Glutathione Levels of Cows and their Calves
Authors: Hemingway R.G. , Parkins J.J. , Lawson D.C. , Allan C.L.
Published: June 2019

Provision of additional trace elements to cattle at grass by means of free-access mineral mixtures, feed blocks or molassed liquid feeds results in both wide variation and unpredictable individual intakes. Frequently, more than one trace element may be required and sometimes, for example, animals may individually receive combinations of selenium (by injection or rumen bolus), copper (by injection or as copper oxide needles) and cobalt (by rumen bolus or vitamin B12 injection).

This communication describes the use of a multi-trace element/vitamin bolus system (“Alltrace”, Agrimin Ltd.) in situations where dietary selenium intakes were very low over extended periods. The bolus is a dietary supplement composed of normal trace element salts such are used in mineral mixtures, vitamin sources and copper oxide powder. It is in the form of a compressed cylinder (2·5 cm diameter × 7·5 cm length) coated, apart from one exposed end, with an impervious polymer. Two boluses, by a process of solution and mutual erosion in the reticulum, release nutrients at mean rates (estimated by the use of rumen-fistulated cows) over about 240 days of 2 mg Se and 9 iu vitamin E with (mg/day) Cu 138, Mn 71, Zn 113, Co 2,1 2·1 with (lu/day) vitamin A 4644 and vitamin D 929. An end weight is included to increase the overall density. This disperses to leave no permanent residue in the rumen.
Development of an in vitro technique to investigate growth and metabolism of mohair follicles of the angora goat
Authors: Ibraheem M , Galbralth H , R Scaife J , Ewen S
Published: June 2019

Hair follicles have been described as dynamic structures in which cell proliferation, migration and synthesis of macromolecules occur. Detailed knowledge is still lacking in areas related to cell proliferation, growth and migration and it has been suggested that our limited understanding of mechanisms regulating hair growth has been partly caused by the lack of reliable in vitro models. In the work desribed here, we have adapted a recent technique developed for the isolation and maintenance of human hair follicles in vitro (Philpott et al. 1990), to the isolation of intact anagen follicles from the Angora goat and report on their growth over 4 days and aspects of metabolic activity over 5 days in culture.
Nutritional and hormonal regulation of hepatic IGF-1 production in sheep and rats
Authors: Luo Q.J. , MacRae J.C.
Published: June 2019

Circulating concentrations of insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) are closely related to the nutrition of animals and their rates of growth. The major site of IGF-1 production is thought to be the liver. Whilst growth hormone (GH) is thought to be the main regulator of IGF-1 production in farm animals, in laboratory rats, altering the GH status of the animal (without hyperphysectomy) has little influence on circulating IGF-1 levels. A series of studies have been conducted with primary cultured rat and sheep hepatocytes to investigate the influence of GH and nutrient availability on the production of IGF-1 by liver cells.