bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of atropine on the concentration and composition of milk protein in dairy cows
Authors: Auldist M.J. , Menzies C.M. , Hooper R.J. , Prosser C.G.
Published: June 2019

The objective of this study was to measure the effects of varying doses of atropine on the concentration and composition of milk protein and on blood α-amino N levels. Four treatments were administered to each of 12 cows over 12 days in a replicated Latin square experiment. There were at least 2 days between each of 4 treatment days. Treatments were: control (C; saline); low dose (L; 30mg atropine/kg LWT); medium dose (M; 40mg atropine/kg LWT); and 2 x low dose (2L). All treatments were administered via subcutaneous injection immediately after the morning milking; the second dose of the 2L treatment was given two hours later. Milk was sampled from each cow at the morning milking (time 0 h). Cows were then milked again 2, 6 and 10 h after treatment, and milk samples again collected. Blood samples were drawn from the coccygeal vein of each cow after each milking. Atropine decreased milk secretion at 6 h for the 2L treatment and 10 h for all treatments. Atropine reduced concentrations of milk protein and casein at 2 h and 6 h, but not at 10 h. Concentrations of whey proteins and of α-casein were depressed by atropine only at 6 h post-treatment, while a reduction in α-lactalbumin due to atropine was observed at 6 and 10 h post-treatment. In contrast, atropine increased concentrations of IgG and BSA at 6 h and 10 h post-treatment. Atropine also increased the ratio of casein:total protein at 6 h after injection. There was no difference between the effects of the low and medium doses of atropine, but the double low dose induced effects which were greater than for the single doses. Effects of a single dose of atropine were greatest for most milk proteins at 6 h post treatment; thus this would be the most useful milk sampling time for future experiments. Atropine did not significantly affect α-amino N concentrations in whole blood, although there was a trend for a reduction for all treatments at 2 h after treatment. Atropine may be useful for reducing milk protein concentrations and circulating levels of certain blood amino acids to base levels, during studies designed to elucidate the effects of perturbations in the blood amino acid profile on milk protein composition.
The effect of suckling following mechanical milking on milk yield, milk composition and somatic cell count in dairy cattle
Authors: Margerison J.K. , Phillips C.J.C.
Published: June 2019

Suckling following mechanical milking is common practice in organic dairy production systems and in developing countries. The objective of the experimental work was to assess the effect of suckling and suckling frequency following mechanical milking on milk yield, milk composition and somatic cell count. Two experiments were completed using multiparous dairy cows allocated at 3 days post partum to their respective treatment groups. In experiment one, twenty–four multiparous dairy cows were allocated to one of two treatments for 305 days; 12 cows not suckled (NS) and 12 cows, which were suckled twice daily following mechanical milking (S2). Daily milk yield was significantly greater (P<0.05) in suckled cows, NS 8.0, S2 8.9 (sem 0.18) kg/d. Milk fat content was significantly lower (P<0.05) in suckled cows (NS 32.0, S2 30.7 (sem 0.56) g/kg). However, milk protein was not significantly different in suckled cows, NS 29.2, S2 27.6 (sem 10.79) g/kg compared with non suckled cows. Somatic cell count was significantly lower (P<0.05) in suckled cows NS 106, S2 85 (sem 2.85) 000/ml, compared with non suckled cows. In experiment two, thirty-eight cows were allocated one of two treatments for 120 days; 19 cows not suckled (NS) and 19 cows, which were suckled once daily following the afternoon milking (S1). Suckling took place for fifteen minutes daily following machine milking only. The calves were weaned at 6 months of age. Total daily milk yield was significantly greater (P<0.05) in suckled cows, NS 11.7, S1 12.5 (sem 0.04) (kg/d) compared with non suckled cows. The milk fat and protein content were not significantly different in suckled and non suckled cows. Milk fat content NS 33.4, S1 32.9 (sem 0.14) g/kg and milk protein content NS 29.8, S1 30.0 (sem 0.07) g/kg. In conclusion, suckled cows had significantly higher milk yields. Cows suckled twice daily had significantly lower milk fat content. Suckling did not affect milk protein content. Suckling cows twice daily significantly reduced SCC.
Non-nutritional (novel) techniques for manipulation of milk composition
Authors: Knight C.H. , Sorensen A. , Muir D.D.
Published: June 2019

This review considers the control of milk composition by endocrine factors and local mechanisms operating within the udder, and the impact of management systems and the environment on these control systems. Much less is known about control of milk composition than yield, although one can propose that prolactin is more concerned with control of lactose and protein secretion whilst growth hormone has a bigger role to play in fat secretion. Molecular biological approaches have the potential to increase understanding and, in the distant but foreseeable future, to manipulate milk composition on a commercial scale. The feedback inhibitor of lactation (FIL), which is responsible for local control of milk yield, has equal effects on lactose, fat and protein secretion, so changes in milking frequency do not alter gross milk composition. During the course of lactation the processing properties of milk gradually deteriorate as a consequence of proteolytic degradation of caseins, but new research shows that this can largely be prevented by milking thrice–daily. This has significant implications for future milking strategies such as robotic milking and extended lactation.
Modifying milk fat composition – An example of current technology in practice
Authors: Fearon A.M. , Mayne C.S.
Published: June 2019

In the autumn of 1997 a butter manufacturer in Northern Ireland was approached by their principal buyer and asked to consider how the store's own brand creamery butter product could be improved in order to compete with the new spreadable butters and spreads arriving in the marketplace. In succeeding months, meetings between groups representing the dairy processing industry, animal production specialists, food scientists and animal feed manufacturers set in motion a major project aimed at managing the transfer of scientific technology into a commercial operation. Each group within the project had their own objectives and the level of risk associated with their involvement varied between the groups. However, it was undoubtedly the interaction between groups that was the most significant factor in the overall success of the project in producing a naturally spreadable creamery butter which has received extremely favourable consumer feedback.
Applying current technology to improve milk protein at farm level
Authors: Shanahan T.
Published: June 2019

Improving milk protein concentration at farm level can add fifty pounds per cow to milk sales annually. The benefit for processors is an increase in protein supply by ten percent and improved milk processability. The farm changes needed to improve milk protein content can also lead to a reduction in milk production costs of at least fifty pounds per cow. The objective of the Kerry Agribusiness/Teagasc “Focus on Profit” project was to adopt current technology in relation to improving milk protein at farm level to enable farmers to improve their income. Specifically to improve milk value by 0.85 p/litre by increasing milk protein content from 32 g/kg, the Kerry average for 1994, to 34 g/kg by the year end 2000. Thirty five farmers were selected to represent each category of milk supplier to Kerry Agribusiness in relation to scale of production, size of holding, soil type, farm management practices and farm location. Herds were milk recorded. Milk volume, protein and butterfat concentration, production costs, farm characteristics and management practices were monitored. Current information/technology from research on improving milk protein content and reducing costs was communicated to monitor farms by means of farm visits, farm walks, demonstrations, discussion groups, clinics, seminars, newsletters, booklet, press articles and the radio by advisors and research personnel from Kerry Agribusiness, Teagasc, Munster Cattle Breeding Society, Department of Agriculture and New Zealand. From 1994, milk protein concentration has increased by 1.1 g/kg from 31.7 to 32.8, butterfat concentration has increased by 2.4 g/kg from 35.2 to 37.6 g/kg and milk value has increased by 0.97 p/litre from 20.23 to 21.20 p/litre. The best improvement in milk protein was observed during January, February and March — 0.27 g/kg, 0.36 g/kg and 0.24 g/kg respectively. Twelve monitor farmers had protein content in their milk greater than 32.0 g/kg in 1994. This increased to 33 farmers by 1998 of which 14 had milk protein content greater than 33.0 g/kg. Thirty two (91%) of monitor farmers improved milk protein by over 0.1 g/kg, six increased milk protein by over 2.0 g/kg. Milk costs were reduced by 0.7 p/litre by monitor farmers when 1995 was compared to 1998. This reduction was 1.74 p/litre from 4.66 p/litre to 2.92 p/litre when 1995 was compared with 1997. By applying current information/technology, Kerry Agribusiness monitor farmers increased milk protein content and reduced milk production costs.
The effects of fish oil supplementation to dairy cattle on milk fat content and composition
Authors: Keady T.W.J. , Mayne C.S.
Published: June 2019

A partially balanced changeover design experiment was undertaken to evaluate the effects of level of fish oil inclusion in the diet on milk fat concentration and composition when offered to 50 lactating dairy cows in early lactation, which were offered either 5 or 10 kg concentrates/cow/day. Concentrates were formulated to contain similar concentrations of crude protein (CP), effective rumen degradable protein (ERDP) digestible undegradable protein and starch and to provide 0 (T0), 150 (T150), 300 (T300) or 450 (T450) g fish oil/cow/day or 300 g (T300B) fish oil/cow/day from a commercial fish oil premix. All animals were offered 5 kg treatment concentrate in two equal feeds through the in-parlour feeder at each milking. Additionally, cows offered the higher level of concentrates received a further 5 kg of T0 concentrate in two equal feeds per day through out-of-parlour feeders. Increasing the level of fish oil increased milk yield (P<0.01) and decreased the concentrations of fat (P<0.001) and protein (P<0.001). Increasing the level of fish oil decreased the concentrations of C6:0, C8:0, C10:0, C16:0, C14:0 and C18:0 and increased the concentrations of C18:1t, C20:0, C20:1, C20:4w6, C18:2c, C23:0, C20:5w3 and C18:2t. Relative to T300, T300B significantly decreased the concentrations of C20:4w6, but did not alter any of the other fatty acids. The transfer from feed to milk of EPA and DHA averaged 0.61 and 0.19 respectively across the three levels of fish oil supplementation. For T300 the efficiency of transfer of EPA was higher while the efficiency of transfer of DHA was lower to that for T300B. It is concluded that increasing fish oil supplementation decreased milk fat concentration by up to 15 g/kg. Also feeding fish oil is an efficient method of increasing EPA in the human diet through transfer into milk.
The effect of heifer rearing regime on milk yield and composition during the first lactation
Authors: Carson A.F. , Dawson L.E.R. , Gordon F.J.
Published: June 2019

One hundred and thirteen Holstein Friesian heifers (PIN (95) £88 s.d. 11.1) were used in a study to determine the effect of rearing regime, in terms of diet offered and target calving weight, on milk production in high genetic merit heifers. Eighty of the heifers were supplied from 11 commercial farms, the remainder were supplied from the herd at the Agricultural Research Institute of Northern Ireland. The heifers commenced the experiment at 7 weeks of age when they were allocated on the basis of source, live weight and genetic merit to one of four rearing regimes. The target weights at calving were 540 kg (Treatment 1) and 620 kg (treatments 2, 3 and 4). Treatments 1 heifers were offered grass silage-based diets during the winter and grass–based diets during the summer. Treatment 2 heifers were offered the same forage base along with additional concentrate supplementation. Treatment 3 heifers were offered a straw/concentrate diet during the winter and grass-based diets during the summer. Treatment 4 heifers received the same diets as treatment 3, apart from the first summer period when they were housed and offered a straw/concentrate diet. The heifers were mated at 14 months of age and were returned to the 11 farms one month prior to calving. Heifers reared on treatment 1 weighed less had a lower withers height (P<0.001) and were of a lower condition score (P<0.001) before calving than heifers reared on the other treatments. During early lactation (3 months post-calving) heifers reared on treatment 1 lost less weight and condition score than the heifers reared on treatments 2, 3 and 4. Over the winter housing period (mean 140 days) the average milk yield was lower for heifers reared on treatment 1 compared with heifers reared on treatments 2 (P<0.05), 3 (P=0.08) and 4 (P<0.05). Milk protein content was higher in animals reared on treatment 1 compared with treatment 2 (P<0.01), 3 (P<0.05) and 4 (P=0.12). Overall milk fat plus protein yield was lower for heifers reared on treatment 1 compared with treatments 2 (P<0.05), 3 (P=0.06) and 4 (P<0.05).
Green engineering for livestock production systems
Authors: Kelly M. , Boyd J. E. L.
Published: June 2019

This paper concentrates on livestock production systems by introducing sustainable housing characteristics, and the type of information required to make an informed choice on environmentally sound materials and systems. It then compares energy use in two contrasting beef cattle systems, one a conventional straw-bedded court and roofed silo, with feed delivered by a side-delivery wagon, and the other a roofless woodchip corral and earth-bank silo, with feed delivered by fore-end loader. The woodchip corral system requires 70% less energy than the conventional bedded court, when the total energy inputs are analysed for preparation of the building materials, construction of the livestock accommodation with associated feed and waste storage, and manufacture and operation of machinery. However, when energy used in feed production is included this dominates the energy budget, accounting for 60% of all energy used in the conventional bedded court, and 85% of energy used in the woodchip corral system.
Biosensors for livestock production
Authors: Persaud K. C.
Published: June 2019

The rapid development and application of biosensors is likely to have considerable impact on livestock management. Biosensors are considered to be analytical devices incorporating a biological material, or a biologically derived material intimately associated with or integrated within a physicochemical transducer or transducing microsystem. For livestock production it is useful to consider where sensors may be used effectively. These may include monitoring of the living environment to ensure that adequate hygiene and animal welfare are maintained, waste management, monitoring of the metabolic state of the livestock so that adequate intake of nutrients is maintained, detection of oestrus or other conditions, monitoring for bacterial or viral infections, both in live animals, and during the processing of animal products. For animal welfare, biosensors are needed to measure biological effects e.g. genotoxicity, immunotoxicity, biotoxins and endocrine effects. The concentrations of specific analytes that are difficult to detect are important contaminants of water, waste, soil or air (e.g. surfactants, chlorinated hydrocarbons, sulphophenyl carboxylates, sulphonated dyes, fluorescent whitening agents, napthalensulphonates, carboxylic acids, dioxins, pesticide metabolites etc). The development of practical biosensing systems capable of operation under realistic conditions is discussed.
An overview of integrated management systems for sustainable livestock production
Authors: Frost A. R.
Published: June 2019

Livestock systems are comprised of sets of complex interconnected processes each with their own outputs eg growth, yield, animal health, welfare and environmental emissions. Livestock management decisions are currently based almost entirely on the judgement and experience of the stockman who has to estimate or guess the likely effects of any control action.

An integrated management system for a livestock production enterprise would be one which controlled all relevant processes. For example if the purpose of the system was to regulate nutritional input in order to control animal growth and pollutant emissions, the controller would calculate input values which would enable growth and emissions criteria to be satisfied simultaneously.

The essential components of an integrated management system are sensors and models. Developments in sensor technology will make available increasing amounts of information relevant to monitoring animals and their environment. Model-based control systems are particularly appropriate for accommodating the variability of most livestock production processes. Models exist for most of the economically important and scientifically interesting processes in livestock production. However the requirements of a process model that is to be incorporated into a controller are different from those of a model which is aimed at demonstrating understanding of the process. Areas where process models are lacking include those involving interactions between production and environmental factors.
A vision of dairy production in the UK
Authors: Knight C. H.
Published: June 2019

This review considers the likely impact of changing consumer requirements, political pressure, economics and technological advances on the dairy production industry of the future. The vision is one of diverse strategies of production, the majority of milk being produced from cows managed technologically with much greater regard for welfare, with a number of ‘romantic’ strategies such as organic, extensive or dual-purpose production supplying niche markets. The important novel feature of the technological strategy will be an escape from the intensive twelve-month lactation cycle to extended lactations of, say, eighteen months, since this will reduce the number of times the cow is exposed to metabolic and other stresses associated with parturition, peak lactation and rebreeding.
Engineering technologies enable real time information monitoring in pig production
Authors: Bird N. , Crabtree H. G. , Schofield C. P.
Published: June 2019

Reliable and affordable technology for collecting and managing livestock production process information is being developed. The advances in data measurement, collection and transfer technology enable us to retrieve information from one or more remote sites to be processed and managed centrally. This opens up the opportunity to advance from open loop, prescriptive production to closed loop systems where factors influencing the actual performance of animals are used to modify and improve their production parameters (feed, environment, medication). We strive from producing animals by predicting what is needed using outdated data, to measuring what is actually happening as they grow, processing this information and acting to optimise animal performance by modifying production parameters in real time.

This paper describes commercially available systems that make possible the retrieval, collection, processing and distribution of near real time production information. Various aspects of production management using this technology are discussed, and examples of how it can be applied to monitor water usage, how it relates to pig performance and how energy usage can be influenced, are considered.
Nutritional management of meat poultry
Authors: Filmer D.
Published: June 2019

The shortcomings of current feeding practices for meat poultry are illustrated and alternative systems discussed. These include automatic blending between high and low protein feeds at each poultry house, to deliver appropriate predetermined nutrient intakes daily. The benefits of using whole cereal as the low protein feed on gut pH, viscosity of gut contents, nutrient digestibility, litter quality and reductions in atmospheric pollution, and coccidial damage are discussed.

Comparisons between current ad-lib feeding and various developmental stages of “Automated Controlled Feeding” are made. The alternative systems lead to proper function of birds' gizzards and crops and the benefits in terms of bird health, reduced mortality and variability, improved behaviour, and feed efficiency are illustrated.

Currently available integrated management systems are described, and the principles behind a current MAFF LINK project discussed. This involves a real-time growth model that uses recorded liveweight, feed and nutrient intakes to date, to calculate the next day's nutrient intakes that will get birds back on target if they start to deviate from it.

Future developments where the objective function could include minimising costs per kg liveweight or breast meat or maximising margin per bird placed or per square metre per year are discussed.
Monitoring wild fauna fertility non-invasively
Authors: Caplen G. , Mottram T.T. , Pickard A. , Milligan S.
Published: June 2019

Scientists have long known that certain pesticides, industrial chemicals and heavy metals have a detrimental impact on the reproductive health of a wide range of species (including humans) by disrupting the endocrine system. As exposure to, and the effects of, ‘endocrine disrupters’ are likely to be more pronounced in wild species with a short gestation period and life-cycle we have chosen to develop non-invasive tools based upon faecal steroid analysis to monitor the reproductive status of the short-tailed field vole (Microtus agrestis). This approach is hoped to eventually provide a sensitive means of detecting environmental disturbances that could adversely affect humans, livestock and wildlife by establishing the the field vole as a terrestrial biomarker. Faecal steroid hormone analysis has already been demonstrated as being a convenient and reliable means of diagnosing reproductive state in a large range of mammalian species (including gazelle, rhino, macaque and mice), however, as of yet little is known regarding the hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy in M. agrestis.
Effect of replacing rolled wheat with a moist food co-product on the yield and composition of milk from Holstein Friesian dairy cows fed a grass silage based diet
Authors: Chaudhry A S. , Taylor W. , Rowlinson P.
Published: June 2019

This study compared the effect of feeding AmyPlus, a moist feed, as opposed to rolled wheat on the yield and composition of milk from dairy cows consuming grass silage based total mixed ration (TMR). Seventy-two Holstein-Friesian cows were distributed into AmyPlus (Treatment) and Wheat (Control) groups and loose housed on straw in an open shed. Each kg Wheat based concentrate contained 345g rolled wheat, 230g rapeseed meal, 115g sugarbeet pulp, 115g Molaferm 20, 115g soybean meal, 56g barley straw and 24g vitamin-minerals. In contrast, each kg AmyPlus based concentrate contained 501g AmyPlus (480g DM /kg), 105g rapeseed meal, 126g sugarbeet pulp, 126g Molaferm 20, 84g soybean meal, 41g barley straw and 17g vitamin-minerals. Here, AmyPlus was loaded directly into the mixer wagon to prepare fresh AmyPlus based TMR with a silage to concentrate ratio of 68:32. Each TMR was fed once daily to the corresponding group of cows also receiving 2kg of Distillers’ grains per cow in the parlour during milking. Daily milk yield and composition was recorded from November 1999 to February 2000. The overall daily Dry matter intake (DMI) of each TMR per cow remained uniform (20.19 vs 20.15 kg for Treatment and Control group respectively) across both groups. Daily milk yield and total cell counts per cow did not vary significantly (P>0.05) between groups during various months. While, milk fat and protein contents were greater in Treatment than Control group during each month, the differences were significant (P<0.05) only during November and December for fat and in January for protein. On average, the Treatment group tended to show a non-significant increase (P>0.05) in daily milk yield per cow by 0.144 kg than the Control group. The fat (46.2 vs 43.7) and protein (34.5 vs 33.5) contents in g /kg milk were also increased significantly (P<0.001) in Treatment compared with Control group. Total cell counts did not vary significantly (P>0.05) and remained within the acceptable limits. The cows consuming AmyPlus maintained their health as indicated by their intake, production, cell counts and general appearance. It would appear that AmyPlus can replace rolled wheat in TMR. However, it may be necessary to evaluate the storage, economic and environmental implications of using such moist co-products in silage based dairy rations.
Some metabolic and productive responses of growing Japanese quail as affected by dietary thyme, dianthus and fennel
Authors: Abd El-Latif S. A.
Published: June 2019

This experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of adding some herbal feed additives (HF A) [thyme (T, Thymus Vulgaris L.), dianthus (D, Delphinum Ajaews), and fennel (F, Foeniculum Vulgare L.)] at a level of 10g/kg to Japanese quail diets on performance and some metabolic functions. Adding HFA to the control diet improved (P<0.05) body gain, feed intake and feed conversion (feed/gain) efficiency. The birds fed dietary F additive exhibited the best (P<0.05) values of these parameters during the entire period (0 to 6 weeks of age), compared with other dietary treatments. There was an improvement (P<0.05) in total protein, globulin, and albumin for birds fed dietary T or F at six weeks of age. Birds fed on dietary F recorded the lowest (P<0.05) value of these components compared with other dietary treatments.
Prediction of intake potential of unwilted grass silage by dairy cows
Authors: Huhtanen P. , Khalili H. , Nousiainen J.I. , Jaakkola S. , Heikkilä T. , Nousiainen J.
Published: June 2019

The intake potential of silage is determined by the intrinsic characteristics of parent herbage, e.g. plant species, cell wall content and digestibility. Measured intake may, however, be markedly reduced due to modifications of carbohydrate and N fractions during ensilage, and therefore the relationship between digestibility and intake has been weaker for ensiled than dried forages. Increased proteolysis and extent of fermentation have generally decreased silage DM intake (SDMI). However, correlations between fermentation characteristics and SDMI reported in literature are generally weak, particularly those based on individual cows data. In addition to D-value (g DOM/kg DM) and fermentation quality, SDMI is also influenced by DM content, amount and type of concentrates fed, production level and stage of lactation. Gordon et al. (1998) measured SDMI under standardized conditions in cattle and developed straight NIRS calibrations for the prediction of SDMI. The purpose of this study was to develop a SDMI index describing the relative intake potential using available data based on mean treatment digestibility, fermentation characteristics and SDMI values.
Effect of ingestive mastication on the shear property of fresh grass fed to steers indoors at two stages of maturity and two chop lengths
Authors: Boudon A. , Mayne C. S. , Laidlaw A.S. , Peyraud J.-L.
Published: June 2019

While the shear property of grasses is considered to be an indicator of the resistance to physical breakdown of ingested particles, few effects on intake or retention time of digesta have been observed with ryegrasses differing in shear breaking load (Inoué et al. 1994). The aim of this study was to examine the effects of ingestive mastication on the differences of shear properties of ryegrass at two stages of maturity and two chop lengths.
Influence of feeder type on the performance and behaviour of weaned pigs
Authors: O'Connell N.E. , Beattie V.E. , Weatherup R.N.
Published: June 2019

Post-weaning ‘growth check’ due to low feed intakes continues to pose a problem for commercial producers. It may be possible to improve feed intake by weaned pigs through manipulating the way in which feed is presented to them. The objective of this study was to assess the influence of five different commercially-available feeders on the performance and behaviour of weaned pigs.
Lactational performance and energy utilisation in high yielding cows
Authors: Beever D.E. , Hattan A.J. , Cammell S B , Humphries D.J. , Jones A K
Published: June 2019

Significant increases in genetic merit for milk production in the UK dairy herd have led to high and persistent milk yields becoming relatively common. Data relating this level of performance to the extent of the energy deficit in early lactation, possible impact on milk quality and the contribution of mobilised energy to milk production are relatively scarce. The aim of this study was to compare lactational performance in high- (HYC) and average- (AYC) yielding cows and to reconcile changes in body status (liveweight and condition score) of HYC with associated measurements of energy depletion and repletion.
A comparison of four contrasting milk production systems for high genetic merit winter calving dairy cows in a grassland based production environment
Authors: Ferris C.P. , Gordon F.J. , Patterson D.C. , Mayne C.S.
Published: June 2019

Meeting the greater nutrient requirements of high genetic merit dairy cows in grassland based systems provides a very real challenge. This study examines the performance of high genetic merit animals, managed on four contrasting grassland based systems of milk production, including both the winter and summer periods.
Estimation of genetic variation in the LH response to a GnRH challenge in pre-pubertal Holstein-Friesian heifers
Authors: Royal M.D. , Darwash A.O. , Flint A.P.F. , Webb R. , Lamming G.E. , Woolliams J.A.
Published: June 2019

Fertility of UK dairy cows is at an all time low (Royal et al., 2000). Genetic improvements through direct selection is minimal since parameters can only be measured in the mature female and generally have low heritability (h2< 0.1). It may be possible to overcome these genetic limitations with the use of an indirect selection criterion. Whilst commencement of luteal activity might prove a valuable genetic indicator of female fertility (Darwash et al., 1997), a major step forward would be the identification of a highly heritable trait in the male that is measurable in early life and genetically correlated to a measurement of female fertility. The physiological control of reproduction is by the same gonadotrophic hormones in both sexes (Land, 1973), and Haley et al. (1989) reported that the underlying variation in gonadotrophin response to GnRH is controlled by the same genes in both sexes. High heritabilities (0.4–0.55) for the response to GnRH have been reported in ram lambs (Haley et al., 1989) and beef bulls (Mackinnon et al., 1991). The objective of this study was to estimate the genetic variation in a number of parameters associated with the LH response to a GnRH challenge in pre-pubertal Holstein-Friesian (H/F) heifers.
The response of gilt body composition to low and high dietary protein during lactation
Authors: Penny P.C. , Miller H.M.
Published: June 2019

Lactating sows will respond to increasing dietary lysine during lactation providing that energy does not become limiting. In a recent experiment Sauber et al. (1998) demonstrated that fat genotypes readily mobilised fat to make up for inadequate nutrient intake in lactation whereas lean genotypes mobilised protein. The aim of this experiment was to investigate whether fat versus lean animals of similar genetic merit were equally able to utilise diets varying in lysine content. The animals used in this experiment were of a high lean genotype and had been allowed to express their natural variation for fatness during rearing and gestation.
Genotype with nutrition interaction for protein and lipid deposition in pigs
Authors: Cameron N.D.
Published: June 2019

Testing different pig genotypes on a single diet may constrain protein and lipid deposition or reduce the efficiency of nutrient utilisation by under- or over-supply of nutrients. If the ranking of genotypes is dependent on the diet used when performance testing animals, then genotype-specific nutritional regimes may be required by breeding companies to identify animals of high genetic merit and by producers to realise the benefits obtained by genetic improvement programmes. In the Edinburgh lean growth project, divergently selected lines for efficiency of lean growth (LFC), for rate of lean growth with animals performance tested on ad-libitum (LGA) or restricted (LGS) feeding or for daily food intake (DFI) have been established with seven generations of selection in a Large White population (Cameron, 1994). The selection lines provide an experimental resource to estimate the genotype with nutrition interaction for protein and lipid deposition rates as differences between selection lines will relate to the selection strategy since the lines were derived from the one base population.
Changes with time in the short chain fatty acid profile during in vitro incubations of feeds with rumen fluid and their effect on the prediction of ATP production
Authors: Rymer C. , Givens D.I. , Cottrill B.R
Published: June 2019

The in vitro gas production technique is a means of measuring the dynamics of fermentation. It is related to short chain fatty acid (SCFA) production, and so could be used to estimate ATP supply for rumen microorganisms. However, different fermentation patterns produce different amounts of gas. No fermentation gas is associated with the production of propionate, and so an increase in the proportion of propionic: (acetic+butyric) (P:AB) would be associated with a decrease in the volume of gas produced. If the molar proportions of SCFA changed during a fermentation, then this would complicate the interpretation of the gas production profile (GPP). If the GPP, combined with a measure of SCFA concentrations at the end of the incubation, was used to estimate ATP yield during the incubation, then changes in P:AB during the incubation may affect these estimates. The objectives of this experiment were therefore to determine whether P:AB did change during an in vitro incubation, and whether any such change affected the accuracy of the prediction of ATP yield with time.
Subliminal perception of colour by cattle
Authors: Phillips C.J.C. , Lomas C.A.
Published: June 2019

In humans subliminal perception is more evident in vision than other senses (Dixon, 1987) but it has not been reported in animals. The presence of subliminal visual perception might be suspected in cattle because of their low level of perceptual discrimination ability of visual cues relative to humans (e.g. Phillips and Weiguo, 1991), despite their sensory apparatus being similar in many respects. Experiments were therefore conducted to determine the extent of cattle colour perception and examine whether the effects of colour on cattle behaviour transcend that their perceptual abilities. We sought to a) confirm that cattle are dichromats, taking account of stimulus brightness, which has not always been the case in previous experiments investigating cattle colour vision, and b) investigate whether cattle exhibit differences in behaviour in isoluminant primary colours for trichromatic vision. Confirmation that cattle are dichromats, together with demonstrations of differences in behaviour in the three primary colours would suggest the existence of subliminal perception, and would question the validity of determining animal welfare requirements solely on psychophysical testing of supraliminal perception.
The effects of stocking density and pen shape on the behaviour, incidence of aggression and subsequent skin damage of sows mixed in a specialised mixing pen
Authors: Docking C. M. , Kay R. M. , Whittaker X. , Burfoot A. , Day J. E. L.
Published: June 2019

The mixing of unfamiliar sows at weaning forces the establishment of dominance hierarchies, which frequently involves aggression (Kayet al, 1999). The objective of this study was to determine whether different stocking densities and pen shapes would reduce the incidence of aggression and levels of skin damage. The ultimate aim was to design a mixing pen which could be used to enhance the welfare of groups of newly-weaned sows.
An examination of the effects of level of energy intake and source of nutrients during late gestation on subsequent milk yield and composition of lactating dairy cattle
Authors: Keady T.W.J. , Mayne C.S. , Fitzpatrick D A
Published: June 2019

The transition period of the dairy cow is physiologically and nutritionally stressful, particularly as feed intake is reduced and nutrient demands for foetal growth and initiation of milk synthesis are increased. It has been suggested that feeding concentrates in late gestation promotes the development of ruminal papillae, which takes 4 to 6 weeks to fully develop, consequently resulting in improved absorption of volatile fatty acids and increased food intake during early lactation. A recent study undertaken at this Institute (Keady et al. 1999) concluded that relative to silage offered ad libitum as the sole diet supplementation with 5 kg of concentrate during the last 28 days of gestation increased milk fat by 1.5 g/kg and improved milk yield by 0.6 kg/day during the first 12 weeks of the subsequent lactation. The response to dry cow supplementation reported by Keady et al. (1999) could have been mediated either by increased nutrient intake or by changes in the forage to concentrate ratio of the diet during the dry period. The present study was undertaken to evaluate the effect of level of energy intake and source of nutrients in late gestation on subsequent milk yield and composition.
Relative weights on pedigree information and performance in evaluations based on a test day model
Authors: Mrode R. A. , Swanson G.J.T. , Lindberg C. M.
Published: June 2019

Genetic evaluations for milk production traits in dairy cattle based on test day yields (TD) have generated much interest recently due to a number of advantages, including improved accuracy of predicting breeding values and estimation of persistency evaluations. One of the methods proposed for a test day evaluation system is the random regression model (RRM) approach fitting covariance functions such as the Legendre Polynomials. Preliminary genetic evaluations using this approach have been produced by the Animal Data Centre in the United Kingdom based on the research of Brotherstone et al (1999). The objective of this paper is to estimate relative weights on pedigree and TD in evaluations of cows using RRM fitting Legendre Polynomials and compare with 305-day yield evaluations. Secondly to examine the efficiency of using part lactation TD information to predict breeding values for cows.
Predicting thein vitrogas production profile of dried grass with strained rumen fluid from thein vitrogas production profile of dried grass with faeces
Authors: Rymer C. , Givens D.I.
Published: June 2019

Thein vitrogas production (GP) technique was developed using strained rumen fluid (SRF) as an inoculum. This requires the use of surgically modified animals and it is questionable whether maintaining cannulated animals for this purpose can be justified. Faeces (FAE) have been used as an alternative inoculum, but while total gas volume tends to be the same, the rate of gas production is usually slower. This is probably because of a lower microbial activity in FAE. If the initial activities of the two inoculum sources were controlled, the differences between them may be reduced. The objective of this experiment, therefore, was to compare the GP profiles obtained when different concentrations of SRF and FAE were used, and the initial activity of the inocula equalised.
In vitro fermentation profiles of a number of commercially available sugar cane molassesbased liquid feeds described using the Reading Pressure Technique
Authors: Mould F.L. , Mackintosh E.
Published: June 2019

The differential rate and extent with which molasses-based feed supplements are fermented in the rumen, relative for example to starch-based concentrates, could be used to position these products in the market. There are, however, currently no data available to support such an assertion, in part due to the problem of how to assess degradation, as clearly standard feed evaluation methodologies such as the nylon bag technique (Ørskov et al., 1980) are inappropriate for liquid feedstuffs. The ability of the recently developed Reading Pressure Technique (RPT) (Mauricio et al., 1999) to examine such feeds was therefore utilised to describe or “fingerprint” the fermentation profiles of a range of commercially available molasses-based feeds.
Cloning and properties of a lysozyme from the rumen ciliate protozoan, Entodinium caudatum
Authors: Eschenlauer S. C. P. , McEwan N. R. , Onodera R. , Wallace R. J. , Newbold C. J.
Published: June 2019

The breakdown of bacterial protein in the rumen leads to a nutritionally wasteful cycle of protein breakdown and re-synthesis, decreasing the flow of microbial protein from the rumen to the small intestine (Williams and Coleman, 1992). Engulfment and subsequent digestion by ciliate protozoa was demonstrated to be the most important cause of bacterial lysis in mixed ruminal micro-organisms incubated in vitro (Wallace and McPherson, 1987). Despite their importance, little is known about the enzymes responsible for the digestion of bacteria in rumen ciliates. The objective of this study was to clone and characterise a lysozyme from Entodinium caudatum, a common rumen protozoan important in the ingestion and breakdown of rumen bacteria (Williams and Coleman, 1992).
Effect of a dried live yeast culture on in vivo apparent digestibility and on in vitro fibrolytic activity of large intestine fluid contents, in horses fed high fibre or high starch pelleted feeds
Authors: Medina B. , Poillon D. , Power R. , Julliand V.
Published: June 2019

Performance horses are often fed very energetic diets including large amount of grains. Thus, a important quantity of soluble carbohydrate is bound to reach the hindgut, altering biochemical and microbial composition of the intestinal contents (Julliand et al., 1999) and leading to a wide variety of diseases like colic, laminitis and diarrhoea (Clarke et al., 1990). In high concentrate rations, live yeast cultures have been reported to stimulate specific groups of bacteria, and moderate large ruminal pH decreases (Williams et al., 1991). Therefore, this trial was designed to evaluate the effect of a live yeast culture preparation (Yea Sacc1026™) on the activity of the intestinal ecosystem (caecum and colon) of horses fed high fibre (HF) or high starch (HS) pelleted feeds. This current summary reports only the results of the nutrient digestibility in vivo and the ability in vitro of large intestine fluid contents to degrade straw.
A comparison of milled and rolled lupin seeds and soya bean meal as protein sources for young beef cattle
Authors: Webster S. D. , A. Wheeler K. P. , Grundy H. F.
Published: June 2019

The degree of processing of protein-rich feeds affects their physical properties. Seeds which are less comminuted, whether cracked or rolled, may have properties which make their behaviour, in the rumen and postruminally, distinct from fine ground material and which may therefore alter their performance as feed proteins. The use of lupin seeds as a replacement for soya in ruminant diets has been demonstrated (Moss et al, 1997). This project aimed to assess whether the processing of lupin seeds, either hammer milling or rolling, affected the performance of young cattle fed the seed as their principal source of protein.
Intake, growth rate and carcass quality of beef cattle fed forage mixtures of grass silage and maize silage
Authors: Browne E.M. , Bryant M.J. , Beever D.E. , Fisher A.V.
Published: June 2019

Replacing grass silage with maize silage in the diets of finishing beef cattle can improve DM intake and performance even when starch content of the maize silage is low (McCabe, O'Mara and Caffery, 1995). The objective of this experiment was to investigate the response of beef cattle fed diets containing different proportions of maize silage and grass silage with the same level of concentrate supplementation.
The effect of fodder beet inclusion on nitrogen and energy utilisation of grass silage based diets by beef steers
Authors: McIlmoyle D.G. , Patterson D.C. , Kilpatrick D.J.
Published: June 2019

In a previous experiment with dairy cows at this Institute, in which fodder beet was included as a third component of the diet along with grass silage and concentrate, fodder beet considerably increased metabolisable energy intake (MEI), but there was little effect on milk yield (unpublished data). The main objectives of the present study were to examine the effects of including fodder beet versus concentrate in a grass silage diet, on the digestibility of nutrients and the utilization of nitrogen (N) and energy at equal MEI in beef cattle.
The effects of composition of gain during a winter store period on carcass composition determined by Velocity of Sound Scanning (VOS) at spring and autumn in beef steers
Authors: Prathalingam N.S. , Heasman L. , Struthers J. , Parker J. , Chapple D.G. , Lomax M.A.
Published: June 2019

Restriction of feed during the winter store period is an important part of current beef systems to exploit compensatory growth from cheap grazed grass. Previous studies have demonstrated that the composition of finished carcasses can be altered by the type of diet fed during the winter feed restriction period (Baker et al, 1985). The aim of this study is to examine the effects of body composition at the end of the winter store period on the composition of gain during the subsequent grass feeding period
Simple mixes of molassed sugar beet feed and distillers grains for lactating ewes
Authors: Chapple D G , Wheeler K P A , Perrott G , Witt M
Published: June 2019

Feeding of lowland sheep on straw-based systems during pregnancy and in early lactation has shown that ewe and lamb performance can be satisfactory, providing adequate compound supplementation is fed (Davies and Chapple, 1995). Whole barley and soya bean meal has been the standard ration. However, soya bean meal is imported and not fully traceable. Experiments with January- and March-lambing ewes have shown that traceable, homeproduced feeds based on equal quantities of molassed sugar beet feed and either maize or barley distillers grains can replace a barley/soya supplement when fed with straw or silage-based diets in late pregnancy (Chappleet al., 1998 and 1999). The objective of this work was to evaluate the effects on ewe and lamb performance of feeding sugar beet feeds with distillers grains to March-lambing ewes rearing twin lambs at pasture.