bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The effect of age and energy level on the growth potential of Sangsary female lambs in Iran
Authors: Rouzbehan Y. , Shabani A. , Assadi Moghadam R. , Nik-khah A.
Published: June 2019

A study was undertaken to evaluate the performance of male and female of Sangsary sheep, a native Iranian breed. Rouzbehan et al. (1996) detailed the growth rate and body composition of male lamb of this breed. In this summary, the production potential and carcass characteristics of female lamb were reported.

Forty four 9 month (m) old female lambs, mean initial weight 22.9 kg (±2.5) were used. The two diets, which consisted of concentrae and roughage, had a similar protein content (150 g/ CP/kg DM) and metabolisable energy of either 10.6 MJ/ kg DM (diet A) or 9.2 MJ/kg DM (diet B) were each fed ad libitum to 22 lambs. The animals were grouply penned. At the start and end of the study, the animals were weighed on two consecutive days. Throughout the study, live weight gain (LWG) and dry matter intake (DMI) were recorded weekly.
The effect of consumption of foods that differ in energy density and/or sodium bicarbonate supplementation on subsequent diet selection in sheep
Authors: James S. M. , Kyriazakis I.
Published: June 2019

Consumption of a highly fermentable, high energy density (ED) food by ruminants results in changes within the rumen environment including a fall in pH. It has been shown that such changes can influence subsequent intake and diet selection in sheep as they attempt to correct these changes through their feeding behaviour (Cooper et al, 1995). The addition of a buffer eg NaHCO3 to a previously consumed high ED food or offering the sheep a low ED food would assist in preventing changes in the rumen environment hence the ruminant would not need to modify it’s diet selection in an attempt to correct these changes. The objectives were to determine (i) whether or not sheep would make a continuous non random selection between 2 foods of different ED (Test 1), (ii) to determine what concentration of NaHCO3 should be added to a food to obtain the most beneficial effects on rumen pH combined with intake (Test 2), and finally (iii) the main objective was to determine what consequences the ED of a food and the supplementation of NaHCO3 to a food offered for a short period of time had on subsequent diet selection made by sheep (Test 3).
Eating quality of lamb: differences between extreme breed x production system groups
Authors: Nute G. R. , Wood J. D. , Enser M. , Hallett K. G. , Sinclair L.A. , Wilkinson R. G.
Published: June 2019

There is anecdotal evidence that certain sheep breeds, reared in a particular way, produce unusual or characteristic tastes in cooked meat. Such effects could be linked to differences in meat fatty acid composition associated with the consumption of different diets. This study investigated eating quality and fat composition in 4 distinctively different breed x feeding system groups.

Four groups of 20 ram lambs were obtained as follows: Pure Soays (SO) finished off grass in April from commercial breeders; Pure Welsh Mountain (WM) finished off upland grass in October from ADAS Pwllpeiran; Suffolk x Mules from Harper Adams College finished off concentrates (grains) (SC) in April; and Suffolk x mules from the same source finished off grass (SG) in May. The animals were transported to Langford where they were slaughtered in Bristol University's abattoir.
Effects of alternative protein and energy sources on the metabolism and performance of straw fed, pregnant and lactating ewes
Authors: Handford D. , Pattinson S.E. , Sinclair L.A. , Wilkinson R.G. , Marsh S.P.
Published: June 2019

Fishmeal is a suitable protein source for pregnant and lactating ewes, providing high levels of undegradable protein (UDP) with a high biological value (Sheehan and Hanrahan, 1989). Vegetable protein sources supply a lower proportion of UDP and lack in supply of essential amino acids, but the quality can be improved by heat / chemical treatment and by adding amino acids. It has also been shown that concentrates can be partially replaced by supplementary feed blocks based on soluble sugars and urea with no adverse effects on production and simplifying the feeding regime (Chapple et al, 1996). The objective of the current experiment was to compare the effects of feeding barley based concentrates containing either fishmeal or a protected vegetable protein as the main protein source and the partial replacement of concentrates with a supplementary feed based on soluble sugars and urea (blocks) on the performance and metabolism of pregnant and lactating ewes.
A comparison of chopped/un-chopped big bale silage, pit silage and hay when offered with concentrates to twin bearing ewes
Authors: Crosby T.F. , Quinn P.J. , Callan J.J. , Flynn B. , O'Doherty J.V. , Nowakowski P. , McGrane C.H.
Published: June 2019

Big bale silage has become increasingly popular on many livestock farms in Ireland yet there is limited information on its use for sheep. The objective of this experiment was to compare the effects of feeding chopped or unchopped big bale silage, pit silage and hay when supplemented with either a barley or a molassed sugar beet pulp based concentrate when fed to ewes in late pregnancy on feed intake, ewe weight and body condition score changes, gestation length, lamb birth weight and colostrum yield.

Sixty four mature lowland cross ewes (8/treatment) were oestrus synchronised in October and mated to terminal sire breeds (Suffolk, Texel or Charollais). The ewes were housed, winter shorn and pregnancy scanned in December, following which twin bearing animals were allocated to a 4 x 2 factorial experiment and individually fed either un-chopped or chopped big bale silage which had been wilted for 36-48 hours as is usual for this type of forage, pit silage, which had been wilted for 18-24 hours or hay.
Effect of supplementation method on grazing behaviour of hill ewes
Authors: Waterhouse A. , Marsh S.P.
Published: June 2019

Supplementary feeding of hill ewes during pregnancy is an important aspect of sheep management. Two broad groups of feed are given. Firstly, there is feed offered on a restricted basis, daily. Secondly, there are feeds offered on an ad libitum basis, of which feedblocks are the most important form for hill ewes. Some studies have shown interaction between feedblock intake and social behaviour but little is known about foraging behaviour.

The study used three, 3 ha (50m x 600m) paddocks side by side, rising steeply from 280 to 490 metres above sea level on a semi-natural acid grassland hill pasture. Each plot was divided with markers on the fence line into 15 divisions of 40m wide, rising in altitude up the plot, each referred to as grids later. In Plot 1, 10 hill ewes were offered 150 g/head of pelleted molassed sugar beet feed at 10 am each day at grid 1 (i.e. at the bottom of the slope).
Comparison of particle size reduction of a hay-concentrate diet given to horses and sheep
Authors: Ellis A.D. , Hill J.
Published: June 2019

The consequences of chewing during eating and rumination of ingesta on the reduction of feed particles has been studied extensively in ruminants (Kennedy, 1984). These studies have lead to the development of the concept of critical size, that is the minimum reduction of feed particle size to allow passage from the rumen. However, feed particle size ingested seems to have little effect on reduction of particles to critical size as a result of chewing and rumination to facilitate passage from the rumen (Faichney, 1990). In the horse once feed has passed the cardiac sphincter into the stomach, no post ingestive mastication can occur. This may be an important component in the apparent reduction in the digestibility of energy substrates in the horse compared to the ruminant. The study reported here examines the relative particle size distributions of faeces of horses and sheep given identical diets.
Comparison of rumen liquor and faeces, in UK and Brazil, as sources of microorganisms for in vitro gas production for assessing twelve forages
Authors: Mauricio R. M. , Owen E. , Abdalla A.L , Bueno I.C.S. , Mould F. L. , Gilmour S. , Theodorou M.K.
Published: June 2019

In a previous study in Reading (altitude 66 m) (Mauricio et al., 1997) the lag phase was greater when cow faeces was used as a source of microorganisms in the in vitro gas production technique instead of rumen liquor when twelve temperate forages were fermented for 96 h. In the Reading study faeces and rumen liquor were obtained from a cow fed grass silage and concentrate (60:40). The present study was done in Piracicaba, Brazil-BR (altitude 780 m) which has a tropical climate. Using the same forages as in Mauricio et al. (1998), the study examined whether the same differences between faeces and rumen liquor would occur in a tropical environment. In addition, the opportunity was taken to develop an equation relating pressure and volume for the semi-automated pressure transducer technique and compare it with the equation developed in UK by Mauricio et al. (1998).
The use of pure substrates and substituted fibrous feedstuffs to examine the sensitivity of the in vitro RPT feed evaluation system
Authors: Mould F.L. , Mauricio R.M. , Smith T. , Owen E.
Published: June 2019

The semi-automated Reading Pressure Technique (RPT, Mauricio et al. 1998) combines gas production profiles and both rate and extent of degradation to evaluate feedstuffs in vitro. The simplicity, low initial cost and high capacity of the system (75 treatments with 4 replicates plus controls can be examined per run) allow it to be widely applied. However, and in common with many other in vitro systems, little information had been generated regarding either its sensitivity or precision. This paper describes how pure substrates were used to identify the minimum amount of fermentable material required to develop distinct degradation profiles. Substitution techniques examined whether changes in degradability at either the mono- or polysaccharide level could be detected and quantified, and replication of these studies provided data regarding precision of the system.
The relationship between DOMD and gas release estimated in vitro using the Reading Pressure Technique system for four maize silages of different maturity
Authors: Mould F.L. , Smith T. , Owen E. , Phipps R.H.
Published: June 2019

A major criticism of in vitro gas systems is that measurement of nutritionally wasteful products (i.e. CH4 and CO2, either directly from fermentation or indirectly from neutralization of VFA by the bicarbonate buffer) provides little useful information. However, as VFA and gas production are inversely related to microbial biomass yield for any given unit of substrate degraded, it has been suggested (e.g. Getachew et al., 1998) that an estimate of fermentation efficiency or partitioning factor (PF) can be obtained by relating gas production (ml) to the extent of degradation (mg). This study examined the relationship between in vitro DOMD, gas release and PF values using data obtained from an assessment of four maize silages.
Cellulase and xylanase activity of the rumen anaerobic fungi grown on untreated and sodium hydroxide treated barley straw
Authors: Rezaeian M. , Parker D. S. , Beakes G. W.
Published: June 2019

The treatment of straw with sodium hydroxide in order to upgrade its nutritive value and to increase the utilisation of its energy by ruminants has been widely employed in many parts of the world. The aim of the experiment was to assess the fibrolytic activity of the anaerobic fungi in vitro using either untreated or NaOH treated barley straw.

Anaerobic fungi were isolated from the rumen of a sheep fed with a diet of hay and lucerne pellets using medium C based on that described by Davies et al. (1993) and as modified by Rezaeian (1996). The Isolates were inoculated into two series of culture media containing either sodium hydroxide treated (TS) or untreated milled straw (US). Five replicate cultures were prepared and incubated at 39 °C over a period of 12 days. The dry matter loss of the substrates and changes in pH of the medium cultures were measured.
The effects of amino acid supply on total and individual cellular protein synthesis in ovine hepatocytes
Authors: Hazlerigg DG , Soultoyiannis N , Cash P , Wheelhouse NM
Published: June 2019

Protein nutrition, through altered amino-acid supply, regulates the quality and quantity of animal products, and deficiencies in supply of / response to amino-acids may be a limiting factor in ruminant efficiency. The effects of amino-acid supply may be indirect, via modulation of anabolic hormonal signalling. In particular, amino-acid limitation reduces insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) - and increases IGF-1 binding protein 1 (IGFBP-1) - production by the liver, and hence modulates the sensitivity of tissues to pituitary GH as an anabolic signal (Gluckman et al, 1987). The mechanisms through which amino-acids exert these selective effects on liver protein production are not understood.

The present study sought to determine whether the effects of amino-acids on total cellular protein synthesis are sufficient to account for observed reductions in IGF-1 production in cultured ovine hepatocytes. In addition the use of two dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (2D-PAGE) to visualise changes in translation of individual proteins caused by amino-acids in cultured ovine hepatocytes is described.
The effect of alpha-galactosidase on the nutritive value of a cereal-soybean-pea diet for growing pigs
Authors: Morales J. , Pérez J.F. , Baucells F. , Gasa J.
Published: June 2019

The use of exogenous enzymes extracted from batch microbes has expanded recently; and different enzymatic additives are being used to improve the nutritive value of monogastric diets. Most legume seeds contain measurable amounts of ? -galactosides, such as raffinose and stachyose (Kuo et al., 1988). These oligosacharides have been proved to pass undigested through the small intestine, and depress to some extent the digestibility of other nutrients (Gdala et al, 1997). Our aim was to assess the effect of adding a high dose ? -galactosidase to cereal-soybeanpea based diets on performance and digestive efficiency of growing pigs.

54 growing pigs (LW 43 ± 2 kg) were randomly allocated in eighteen pens, three animals each, and fed “ad libitum” a basal diet either supplemented with ? -galactosidase (Biogalactosidase, Quest; 400 ppm) or unsupplemented (nine pens/treatment).
The effect of protease pre-treatment of raw or micronized soyabean meal on the growth performance and carcass composition in liquid fed grower and finisher pigs
Authors: Beal J.D. , Brooks P.H. , Schulze H.
Published: June 2019

It is well documented that grower and finisher pigs do not utilise raw soyabean protein well (Crenshaw and Danielson 1985), whereas processed soyabean meals contain high quality protein that is well digested by the pig (true ileal lysine digestibility 86% - NRC 1998). Laboratory studies showed significant (p<0.001) increases in in vitro nitrogen digestibility of raw soyabean meal (RSB) and micronized soyabean meal (MSB) after protease treatment (Beal et al.1998). Indicating that there is potential for improving the nutritional value of these protein sources with exogenous proteases. The objective of this study was to determine if these increases were reflected in the pig.
Manipulation of the proportions of Lactobacillus spp to coliform bacteria in the piglet colon using dietary starches
Authors: Hillman K. , McFarland S. P.
Published: June 2019

The use of lactic acid bacteria in pig feeds for the control of coliform pathogens in the intestine is now common. These “probiotic” preparations do not persist in the intestine, and must therefore be added daily. Previous work (Reid and Hillman, in press) has indicated that the proportion of Lactobacillus spp. to coliform bacteria can be affected by the type of starch included in the diet, which may provide a more cost-effective means of controlling coliform pathogens. However, the previous study found the greatest enhancement of Lactobacillus spp with waxy maize, one of the most expensive starches. Consequently, this study sets out to determine whether an enhancement of this proportion could be obtained with a more economical starch, or with mixtures of starches.
Behaviour and performance of sows and piglets in crates and a Thorstensson system
Authors: Bradshaw R. H. , Broom D. M.
Published: June 2019

There has been considerable concern over the welfare of sows housed in farrowing crates due to the severe restriction of movement this imposes upon them. A number of alternative systems have therefore been developed which allow sows greater freedom of movement. The aim of this study was to compare the behaviour and performance of sows housed in conventional crates with sows housed in a group-house Thorstensson system.

A total of 18 Large White x Landrace sows were farrowed in crates or a group-housing Thorstensson system (balanced for parity and time of year). Two batches of seven were farrowed through the Thorstensson system of which five in each batch were selected for the current analysis (based on ease of observation). Thus a total of ten sows were analysed from the group-system (mean parity: 1.90 ± 0.40; 6 gilts). In addition eight sows were analysed from crates (mean parity 1.62 ± 0.26; 4 gilts).
Effect of hunger and exploration on first consumption of solid food by piglets
Authors: Lee H. F. , Appleby M. C. , Morgan C. A.
Published: June 2019

Piglets are usually supplied with solid food - creep food - at a time when most are still obtaining adequate nutrition from milk. Getting piglets started on solid food may help their growth performance both before and after weaning. As young piglets are highly exploratory animals (A'Ness et al., 1997) and food restriction increases the tendency of older pigs to express foraging behaviour (Lawrence et al., 1988), the objective of this experiment was to examine the relative importance of exploratory behaviour and hunger on initiation of creep feeding by piglets.

Eight litters of Large White x Landrace piglets were used in this study. Each piglet was ear tagged and weighed within 24h of birth. When a litter was 16 days old (d16), each piglet was weighed and 8 piglets were taken in pairs, between nursings, to one of two experimental pens for 30 mins familiarization and filming, twice each.
Effects of pre-mixing sows prior to their introduction into a large dynamic group : sow behaviour and welfare
Authors: Durrell J.L. , Beattie V.E. , Sneddon I.A.
Published: June 2019

Sow welfare legislation has meant that many dry sows are now housed in large dynamic groups. The large group sizes involved in these systems and the constant turnover of sows does not allow stable relationships to be formed and so leads to agonistic behaviour (Moore, Gonyou and Ghent, 1993). The aim of this study was to determine if pre-mixing weaned sows in small groups for five weeks prior to introduction into the large group would reduce the overall level of agonistic behaviour.

Sixteen groups of four newly weaned and unfamiliar sows were allocated at one week intervals to one of the following treatments. Treatment 1 (T1) involved introducing sows into small static groups of four for a period of 5 weeks prior to introducing them into a large dynamic group. Treatment 2 (T2) involved introducing sows directly into a separate large dynamic group.
Agonistic and mating behaviour in two loose-housing systems for sows
Authors: Arey D.S. , Messinger J. , Nobre M.
Published: June 2019

The mixing of unfamiliar sows usually results in fighting which can have adverse consequences for both welfare and production. It has been suggested that aggression may be moderated by both the presence of a boar and by allowing sows access to feeding stalls (Arey and Edwards, 1998). The objective of this experiment was to investigate these effects on the behaviour of newly weaned sows mixed into two loose-housing systems.

In the first system (dynamic), 24 Large White x Landrace mixed parity sows were introduced 4 days post weaning to a dynamic group of 22 sows and 2 boars with a replacement rate of 2 sows per week. Observations were carried out on the 2 newly introduced sows each week. The straw-bedded pen provided 4.5 m2 space per animal. The sows were floor fed 3 kg/sow at 08.00 each day.
The effect of parity, litter size and sow body reserves on Ig content of sow colostrum
Authors: Prieto L. , Prathalingam N.S. , Tarongi A. , Davidson F.M. , English P.R. , Rooke J.A. , Ewen M. , Edwards S.A.
Published: June 2019

The transfer of passive immunity from sow to piglet is important for neonatal disease resistance. Piglet immune status will be influenced by the Ig concentration in colostrum, the amount of colostrum ingested and the duration of absorption of intact macromolecules across the gut. Despite the importance of the maternal contribution to this process, there has been no published information on the level and variability of colostral Ig concentration in modern sow geno types. A study was therefore designed to remedy this lack of knowledge.

Colostrum samples were taken at farrowing, prior to suckling by the first piglet, from 63 Landrace x Large White sows (Pig Improvement Company Ltd) on a large commercial unit in Scotland. During pregnancy, sows were housed in stalls and fed a standard commercial dry sow diet. At 2-3 weeks prior to expected parturition, they were vaccinated against E.coli, A.pleuropneumoniae and Clostridium.
Effect of environmental enrichment on pig welfare as measured by physiological and pathological parameters
Authors: O'Connell N.E. , Beattie V.E. , Moss B.W.
Published: June 2019

While it is accepted that environmental enrichment can improve the welfare of growing pigs by reducing harmful social behaviour (Beattie et al., 1995), the influence of environmental enrichment on physiological and pathological parameters remains unclear. The objective of this study was to monitor selected physiological and pathological parameters of pigs reared in barren and enriched environments.

In a randomised block design, three-hundred and twenty Large White x Landrace pigs were allocated to one of two environmental treatments from birth to slaughter. Five blocks were used, each containing eight groups of eight pigs. In each block, four groups were reared in barren environments which had slatted floors and recommended space allowances. The remaining four groups were reared in enriched environments which had three times the recommended space allowance, solid floors partially bedded with peat and pigs had access to straw from a rack. Both environmental treatments were located in separate buildings.
The influence of environmental enrichment on behaviour, performance and meat quality of domestic pigs
Authors: Beattie V.E. , O'Connell N.E. , Moss B.W.
Published: June 2019

Environmental enrichment using substrates changes the behaviour of pigs by increasing the time spent exploring the environment and reducing the amount of penmate-directed behaviour (Beattie et al., 1995). The objective of the present study was to assess whether performance and meat quality are also affected by environmental enrichment.

In a randomised block design, three-hundred and twenty Large White x Landrace pigs were allocated to one of two environmental treatments from birth to slaughter. Five blocks were used, each containing eight groups of eight pigs. In each block, four groups were reared in barren environments which had slatted floors and recommended space allowances.
To determine the relationships between age, weight and size in Holstein heifers between 100 and 300 kg liveweight
Authors: Biggadike H.J. , Collins C.A. , Drew S.B. , Johnson P.N.
Published: June 2019

It is common practice to rear dairy heifers to calve at 24 months of age and expect first lactation milk yields of up to 10,000 litres. This requires growth rates of at least 0.7kg/d during rearing. Research has indicated that high growth rates in the prepubertal period can have a deleterious effect on mammogenisis (Capuco et al 1995), and a significant reduction in potential milk production (Sejrsen et al 1996) due to impaired mammary development. However, not all studies have found such effects (Sejrsen et al 1996). As a consequence, strategies of rearing are being studied to identify the optimum pattern of growth around puberty to achieve high milk yields. Skeletal measurements have also been demonstrated to be related to first lactation yields (Hoffman 1996). This study investigated the consequences of differing growth rates between 100 and 300kg liveweight on the size and relative dimensions of Holstein heifers.
Effect on milk production in dairy cows of feeding grass silage and maize silage as a mixture, or separately within days, or on alternate days, with low or high protein supplements
Authors: Syed J.S. , Leaver J.D.
Published: June 2019

A number of experiments have examined the milk production responses to feeding concentrates and forages in total mixed rations (TMR) compared with being fed separately. Grass and maize silages have very different energy and protein levels/sources, but the responses to feeding them mixed as opposed to separately has not been examined. This experiment compared grass and maize silages mixed, or fed separately within days or fed on alternate days. Two levels of protein were offered in the concentrate supplement to examine possible interactions between feeding method and protein content of the diet.
Estimating meal criteria for meal pattern analysis of dairy cows
Authors: Tolkamp B J , Allcroft D J , Kyriazakis I
Published: June 2019

Meal pattern analyses depend crucially on appropriate estimates of bout or meal criteria (i.e., the longest non-feeding intervals accepted as part of a meal). Bout criteria are frequently estimated after fitting a ‘broken-stick’ to the un-transformed, the log-transformed, or the log-transformed cumulative (log-survivorship), frequency distribution of between-feeding interval length. We know of no biological justification for fitting a broken stick to the frequency distribution of short intervals between feeding events and can, therefore, not interpret ‘criteria’ obtained that way. The methods that fit a broken-stick to log-survivorship or log-frequency curves are based on the implicit assumption that the probability of an animal initiating a bout is independent of the time since the last bout. Only then will the length of intervals between bouts be distributed as a negative exponential that appears as a straight line after log-transformation. However, the satiety concept predicts that this probability is not constant but increases with time since the last meal.
Effect of dietary protein levels on milk yield and composition of cows infused into abomasum with methionine and lysine
Authors: Smoler E. , Arieli A. , Bruckental I. , Bor A. , Abrhamson S. , Zamwell S. , Nicbachat M. , Lerrer H.
Published: June 2019

More industrial and commercial value is placed on milk protein concentration but only a little is known about nutritional management of milk protein synthesis in dairy cows (DePeters and Cant, 1992). Some studies on this subject have shown a small positive effect of feed energy on milk protein concentration (Sutton, 1989). However, increase in milk production from the supply of dietary crude protein (CP) could be influenced by the supply and absorption from the small intestine of essential amino acids (AA), and this could be a nutritional betterment if it would protect from rumen fermentation process. Since dietary supply of AA some times gaves poor results it is still puzzling whether production is limited by specific AA or depends on bacterial and protozoon's proteins (BCP) supply to the small intestine. The objective of this study was to examine the effect of dietary CP levels and abomasal infusion of AA on milk yield and composition and to examine if these are key factors in regulating milk protein synthesis.
Milk production from dairy cows offered perennial ryegrass selected for high water soluble carbohydrate concentrations compared to a control grass
Authors: Miller L. A. , Neville M. A. , Baker D. H. , Evans R. T. , Theodorou M. K. , MacRae J. C. , Humphreys M. O. , Moorby J. M.
Published: June 2019

The efficiency of grass nitrogen utilisation for milk production tends to be low, due partly to the slow rate of release of energy in the rumen which reduces the efficiency of capture of rapidly degradable plant proteins by the rumen microbial population. When additional sugars are infused into the rumen, microbial protein production is increased (Rooke et al., 1987). The objective of this study was to assess milk production using a grass variety that has been bred to express elevated water soluble carbohydrate (WSC) concentrations.

Eight multiparous Holstein-Friesian dairy cows in mid lactation (176 days ± s.e. 3.6) were used in a continuous design, zero-grazing experiment. Following covariate measurements taken from all animals on a standard grazing diet, four animals were each offered one of two varieties of perennial ryegrass at ad libitum rate: AberDove, bred to express high WSC concentrations; and AberElan, a commercially available variety, used as a control.
Conditioned feeding responses in sheep towards flavoured foods associated with casein administration: the role of long delay learning
Authors: Arsenos G. , Hills J. , Kyriazakis I.
Published: June 2019

Various studies in animals have shown conditioned responses toward food flavours created through their associations with positive or negative post-ingestive consequences (PIC). Essentially these studies presume a temporal contiguity, as necessary in permitting associations, and that flavours are a major determinant of such responses. It has been shown that associations between a novel food flavour and subsequent negative PIC can also be formed even when they are disassociated in time (long delay learning); no such evidence exists for this type of learning from positive PIC (Capaldi, 1992). In this study two objectives were tested: (i) whether such associations could be established with delays between consumption of a flavoured food and positive or negative PIC resulting from casein administration, and (ii) how these associations are affected by initial responses towards food flavours.
Evaluation of external claw dimensions and internal solear soft tissue characteristics in Holstein-Friesian cattle of varying ages
Authors: Cross D E , Galbraith H , Finn D , Birnie M
Published: June 2019

Lameness is a well-recognised welfare problem which causes suffering to the dairy cow and economic losses to the dairy industry. Major lesion incidence occurs in the claw (Logue et al., 1995). Claw lesions include those of the white line, solear haemorrhage and solear ulceration and are associated with damage to the underlying soft tissues and reductions in claw horn quality. Claw horn is formed from proliferation of epidermal cells in the stratum germinativum bordering the basement membrane and dermis (corium). Dermal-epidermal interactions are important in good quality horn formation and one aim of the study was to characterise physical dimensions of soft tissue containing these regions in female dairy cattle of varying ages. A second aim was to determine external claw dimensions and relate these to developmental processes within the animals.
Growth and carcass characteristics of camels given different level of protein and energy in Iran
Authors: Rouzbehan Y. , Shadmanesh A. , Debiri N. , Eslami M.
Published: June 2019

Recently ,there is an incrase interest in fattening camals in Iran .This trial aimed to define the influence of dietary energy and protein levels on performance and carcass quality of camels in khorasan province.

For 80 days, nine diets with three metaboliseble energy 10.9, 8.8 or 7.6 MJ /kg DM and three crude protein levels 140, 120, or 100 g/kg DM were offerd ad lib to thirty six camels (mean initial weight 183 kg ± 7.7) , where each treatment were randomly allocated to four animals, that were housed individually. Food intakes were recorded daily. Throughout the trial , all animals were weighed at fortnightly intervals. At the end of the project ,two animals from each treatment were slaughtered and carcass quality were determined. Data were analysed as a 3x3 factorial Anova, with energy and protein were the main effects.
Leptin is involved in the regulation of ovarian activity in fasted hens (Gallus domesticus)
Authors: Paczoska-Eliasiewicz H. , Proszkowiec M. , Hrabia A. , Sechman A. , Raver N. , Gertler A. , Proudman J. , Rozenboim I. , Rzasa J.
Published: June 2019

In mammals leptin plays a key role in regulating the whole-body energy homeostasis and is important for for normal reproduction Much evidence indicates that leptin mediates the undernutrition-induced alterations of the reproductive axis (Ahima and Flier, 2000). In birds leptin gene was cloned in chickens (Taouis et al., 1998) and recombinant chicken leptin (chLep) was prepared in our laboratory (Raver et al., 1998). Unlike mammals, leptin is expressed not only in the adipose tissue but also in liver and leptin plasma level is lower in fasted than in fed hens (Dridi et al., 2000). However, the importance of leptin in avian reproduction is not known. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to examine whether in chickens leptin affects events occuring in the ovary during fasting.
Intrafetal infusion of leptin suppresses expression of leptin mRNA and increases the proportion of multilocular adipose tissue in fetal perirenal fat in the sheep
Authors: Yuen BS , Owens PC , Muhlhausler BS , Roberts CT , Symonds ME , Keisler DH , McFarlane JH , McMillen IC
Published: June 2019

Leptin, a 16kDa polypeptide hormone, is synthesised and secreted by adipocytes and acts to regulate energy stores and energy expenditure in the adult. In the newborn infant, there is a positive correlation between cord blood leptin concentrations and neonatal fat mass but it is unknown whether leptin can act to regulate the endocrine or metabolic characteristics of adipose tissue before birth. We have therefore tested the hypothesis that an intrafetal infusion of leptin will act to alter on leptin mRNA expression and the morphological characteristics of perirenal fat, the major fat depot in the sheep fetus during late gestation.
Biohydrogenation and duodenal flow of C18 polyunsaturated fatty acids in steers fed grass or grass: legume silages
Authors: Lee M.R.F. , Evans R.T. , Dhanoa M.S. , Merry R. , Dewhurst R. J. , Scollan N. D.
Published: June 2019

Forages are a rich source of beneficialn-3PUFAs (?-linolenic acid; C18:3n-3) and may be a useful means of modifying the fatty acid composition of ruminant products. Altering the fatty acid composition of ruminant products is difficult due to the biohydrogenation action of rumen micro-organisms, which hydrogenate the PUFAs into monounsaturated and saturated fatty acids. Little information is available on biohydrogenation of PUFAs in forages hence this study investigated this in steers fed on perennial ryegrass, red or white clover silages or combinations thereof.
The effect of forage grinding and cutting height of urea treated whole crop wheat on the milk production and diet digestibility in dairy cows
Authors: Jackson M.A. , Sinclair L.A. , Readman R. , Huntington J.
Published: June 2019

It has previously been demonstrated that feeding urea treated whole crop wheat to dairy cows results in a significant increase in dry matter intake but has little effect on milk yield (Sutton et al, 1997). Part of the reason behind this lack of response has been attributed to a decrease in digestibility, particularly that of starch. A forage mill has recently been developed which allow the grains to be ground prior to ensiling and potentially increase their digestibility. An alternative way to increase the energy value of whole crop wheat is to increase cutting/stubble height. Work by Weller et al, (1995) demonstrated an increase in calculated ME from 10.6 to 11.2 MJ/kg DM by increasing stubble height from 10cm to 40cm. The objective of the current experiment was therefore to determine the effects of forage processing (grinding) and cutting height at harvest of urea-treated whole crop wheat on the intake, milk production and diet digestibility in dairy cows.
QTL Detection in the UK Suffolk and Texel Sheep Sire Referencing Schemes
Authors: Walling G.A. , Wilson A.D. , McTeir B.L. , Visscher P.M. , Simm G. , Bishop S.C.
Published: June 2019

Genomic research and the detection of quantitative trait loci (QTL) provide tools to enhance genetic progress and improve understanding of the biology of commercially important traits. The large sire reference schemes in UK terminal sire sheep breeds provide a unique opportunity to investigate QTL segregation within commercial populations. This study aims to identify QTL for performance traits in commercial Suffolk and Texel sheep.
Supplementation of sow diets with plant extracts enhances piglet growth prior to weaning
Authors: Ilsley S.E. , Miller H.M. , Greathead H.M.R. , Kamel C.
Published: June 2019

Sow lactation performance is critical to piglet survival and pre-weaning growth. Effective lactogenesis combined with strong piglet vigour at birth will help prevent hypoglycaemia and mortality. In addition, immune protection of the sucking pig is dependant on the acquisition of immunoglobulins from the colostrum of the sow. High milk output in late lactation will ensure greater weaning weights, since piglet growth potential exceeds milk supply by day 10 of lactation (Harrell et al, 1993). Maximising sow feed intake ensures maximum milk production. A variety of plant extracts are recognised for their health and growth promoting properties which include stimulation of the digestive and immune systems (Platel and Srinvansan, 1996). The objective of this study was to evaluate the ability of various plant extracts to stimulate piglet and sow performance when used as supplements in the diets of lactating sows. Three extracts were selected for their potential benefits to health, appetite and digestion, these being Yucca Shidigera, Quillaja Saponaria and Combination (a blend of the spices capsicum 1.0%, cinnamaldehyde 1.25 % and oregano oil 0.85 %).
Removal of both zinc oxide and avilamycin from the post-weaning diet has a detrimental effect on pig performance through to slaughter
Authors: Broom L. J. , Miller H. M. , Kerr K. G. , Toplis P.
Published: June 2019

Avilamycin (antibiotic growth promoter) and zinc oxide are both included in the diets of newly weaned piglets to enhance growth performance and reduce the incidence of diarrhoea (MLC, 2000). It is thought that both compounds positively influence the bacterial populations residing in the gastrointestinal tract. However, growing concerns regarding antibiotic resistance and environmental pollution are likely to result in the banning of these dietary additives within the EU. This experiment, therefore, aimed to investigate what effect removing both avilamycin and zinc oxide from the post-weaning diet would have on the growth performance of weaned piglets.
The short term feeding behaviour of pigs given access to foods differing in bulk content
Authors: Whittemore E. C. , Kyriazakis I. , Emmans G.C. , Tolkamp B.J. , Morgan C. A. , Knap P.W. , Simmins P. H. , Jagger S.
Published: June 2019

We need to improve our understanding of the factors that are important for the control of food intake on high bulk foods. The study of short term feeding behaviour (STFB) may help to do this. The objective of this experiment was to study the effects of giving foods differing in bulk content on the STFB of growing pigs. It was expected that the foods would result in different levels of daily intake and that this would be reflected as differences in STFB between the foods. Two hypotheses were developed based on ideas about the way in which a physical constraint to intake could arise. H1; there would be less diurnal variation in feeding on high bulk foods that limit intake. H2; feeding patterns on bulky foods would be less flexible than those on a control food when feeding time is limited by reducing time of access to the feeder.
The effect of breed on the expression of adverse social behaviour in pigs
Authors: Breuer K. , Sutcliffe M.E.M. , Mercer J.T. , Rance K.A. , Beattie V.E. , Sneddon I.A , Edwards S.A.
Published: June 2019

The performance of tail biting and other harmful social behaviours is a common problem on pig farms. Many risk factors relating to tail biting have been identified, but the problem remains intractable. One contributory factor may be the genetic makeup of pigs but, as with most pig behaviour, there has been little research into the genetic basis of its expression. The aim of the current experiment was to investigate the genetic component of harmful social behaviours, such as tail biting, by assessing breed differences in the predisposition to perform these behaviours.
An investigation into the effect of tryptophan on tail chewing behaviour of growing pigs
Authors: McIntyre J. , Edwards S.A.
Published: June 2019

Previous work (McIntyre and Edwards, 2001) revealed a significant correlation between plasma tryptophan (TRP) concentration and blood preference scores when pigs were fed a low CP diet. Increasing dietary TRP in rats causes increases in plasma and brain TRP, and brain serotonin concentration (Fernstrom and Wurtman, 1971), which appear to be highly localised to serotonin-containing neurones that may monitor the metabolic state and control behaviour. Uptake of TRP at the blood-brain barrier and serotonin level may also be increased by a higher TRP: LNAA (large neutral amino acids) ratio and level of dietary carbohydrate. This study aimed to determine if pigs fed diets differing in TRP and TRP: LNAA ratios differed in their behaviour or in their preference for blood during a model tail test.
Effect of weaning age, mixing strategy and group size on the welfare and productivity of weaned pigs
Authors: O’Connell N.E. , Beattie V.E. , Kilpatrick D.J. , Walker N.
Published: June 2019

Reduced welfare and productivity during the post weaning period continues to pose a problem for producers. It may be possible to reduce these problems by altering management practices. The objective of the present study was to investigate the effect of weaning age, mixing strategy and group size on the welfare and productivity of weaned pigs.
Alternatives to nose-ringing in outdoor sows: the provision of a special rooting area
Authors: Bornett H.L.I , Edwards S.A.
Published: June 2019

Nose-ringing is commonly used in outdoor pig production to prevent pasture damage. However, nose-ringing causes acute stress at the time of ringing and inhibition of normal rooting behaviour (Horrellet al.2001). Therefore alternatives to nose-ringing need to be investigated. Previous studies have focused on dietary modification as a way of reducing rooting behaviour and pasture damage (e.g. Braundet al.1998). Although these methods helped to reduce rooting behaviour they were ineffective at decreasing long-term pasture damage. This experiment examined the effectiveness of providing a special, enriched rooting area in an attempt to reduce pasture directed rooting behaviour and consequently reduce overall pasture damage.
The effect of stocking rate on the performance of two breeds of dairy cattle at pasture
Authors: Crawford A.D. , Mayne C.S.
Published: June 2019

In Northern Ireland, grazed grass is the main diet offered to dairy cattle throughout the summer months. Whilst the Holstein-Friesian (HF) dairy cow is extremely efficient at converting grass into milk, there is evidence that the incidence of infertility in this breed is increasing (Mayne et al. 2001). This may reflect the fact that the breeding goals for the HF breed have been based primarily on selection for milk production with little emphasis for other traits such as fertility or health. In contrast, Norwegian dairy cattle (NC) have been selected using a multi trait index, with less emphasis on milk production and inclusion of other fertility and health traits. The overall objective of the present study was to evaluate the effect of varying stocking rate at pasture on performance of these two contrasting breeds.
Association of leptin polymorphisms with milk yield, dry matter intake, energy balance, luteal activity and serum leptin levels during lactation in HF dairy cows
Authors: Liefers S.C. , Veerkamp R.F. , te Pas M.F.W. , Delavaud C. , Chilliard Y. , van der Lende T.
Published: June 2019

Since evidence is present that genetic correlations between start of luteal activity and energy balance, milk yield and live weight exist (Veerkamp et al., 2000), it could be hypothesised that polymorphisms at the leptin gene locus might play a role. The first objective of this study was to associate plasma leptin levels during late pregnancy with genetic differences in the leptin gene. The second objective was to relate these polymorphisms with variations in energy balance, milk production, dry matter intake and fertility.
Effect of wilting and type of additive on the fatty acid composition of grass silage
Authors: Warren H.E. , Tweed J.K.S. , Youell S.J. , Dewhurst R. J. , Wood J.D. , Scollan N.D.
Published: June 2019

Forages, such as grass and red clover, are a rich source of n -3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, especially α-linolenic acid (C18:3n -3), and may be used as a method of improving the nutritional value of ruminant products. Silage is an important feed for cattle, therefore, a study was carried out to elucidate the effects of wilting and the use of additives on the fatty acid profile of the resultant silage.
Genetic management strategies for controlling infectious diseases in livestock populations
Authors: Bishop S. C. , Mackenzie K.
Published: June 2019

Disease resistance is often cited as the major challenge facing animal geneticists, with much effort directed towards finding disease-resistance genes. The PrP gene controlling resistance of sheep to scrapie is such an example. To design effective breeding strategies utilising such genes, it is critical to understand the impact that these genes have upon disease transmission. For example, it has been shown that it is not necessary to make all animals genetically resistant in order to protect the population as a whole from epidemics (MacKenzie and Bishop, 1999). Additionally, concern is often voiced over the possibility of the pathogen co-evolving with the host, reducing the utility of the genes. By combining animal breeding and epidemiology theory, this study derives strategies for using disease resistance genes to control disease transmission, and considers the co-evolution risks with such strategies.
The effect of providing a choice of social environment on performance and behaviour of gestating sows
Authors: Williams J. , Baker F. , Hooper R. , Stewart A.
Published: June 2019

The move towards group housing of gestating sows has highlighted a number of welfare issues associated with social interactions that are directly related to management and pen design. For example feeding method and total space can impact on both behaviour and performance. Individual feeding stalls combined with a straw based lying area and dunging passage have production and behavioural advantages at feeding time by providing safety from aggressive pen mates. Anecdotal observations would suggest that they also provide an alternative lying space. However, in practice many feeders are either kept closed when not being used or are located in areas that do not provide a good thermal environment. This experiment was designed to evaluate environmental and social factors affecting the choice of lying behaviour of sows with and without access to feeding stalls throughout the day.