bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
EFFECT OF FEEDING A CONCENTRATED WHEY-CANOLA MEAL MIXTURE AS THE MAJOR COMPONENT OF STARTER RATIONS FOR CALVES
Authors: FISHER L. J. , BUCKLEY W. T.
Published: March 2010

Thirty-two male Holstein calves were subdivided into four groups at 35 days of age and used to evaluate the feeding of an evaporated whey-canola meal feedstuff (EWC) fed in combination with either a grain-based starter ration or chopped hay. Over a feeding period of 7 wk, dry matter intake of EWC increased to 84 and 90% of total dry matter intake for the grain-based and hay-based starter rations, respectively. Rumen fluid butyrate and valerate levels increased to 40% and 15%, respectively, of total volatile fatty acids produced. Plasma urea levels were lower and phosphorus, potassium and copper levels were higher when EWC was fed. The digestibility of EWC-based diets was higher than either grain or hay diets without EWC. Nitrogen, calcium, sodium and potassium balances were substantially increased by the EWC-based diet. Bloat was a problem when the EWC was fed in conjunction with a grain-based starter ration. This problem was prevented by feeding small amounts of chopped hay. It was concluded from the results of this study that EWC could be fed in combination with chopped hay at up to 90% of the total dry matter intake of young calves without causing acidosis or digestive upsets. Key words: Whey, canola meal, starter rations, calves
UTILIZATION OF POOR QUALITY ROUGHAGES BY SHEEP: EFFECTS OF ALFALFA SUPPLEMENTATION ON RUMINAL PARAMETERS, FIBER DIGESTION AND RATE OF PASSAGE FROM THE RUMEN
Authors: NDLOVU L. R. , BUCHANAN-SMITH J. G.
Published: March 2010

Barley straw, bromegrass hay and corncobs were fed with or without alfalfa supplementation to six sheep in a 6 × 6 Latin square design in order to investigate the effects of alfalfa supplementation in the ruminal digestion of untreated poor-quality roughages. Alfalfa supplementation increased ruminal concentrations of valerate and isobutyrate (P < 0.05) for corncobs and of isobutyrate (P < 0.05) for barley straw. In addition, ruminal ammonia-N levels were increased by supplementation (P < 0.05) for all diets. This improvement in the rumen environment was reflected by increase (P < 0.05) in sacco rates of fiber digestion which were 4.63 and 5.85%/h, 4.73 and 6.18%/h, 3.78 and4.57%/h, without and with alfalfa, respectively, for barley straw, bromegrass hay and corncobs. For corncob diets, rates of passage of indigestible material were increased by supplementation from 1.87%/h to 3.06%/h (P < 0.05). These results explain some of the associative effects on digestion that have been noted between poor and good quality roughages. Key words: Roughage quality, sheep, digestion kinetics, fiber passage, rumen parameters, supplementation
BROILER CARCASS COMPOSITION AS AFFECTED BY AMINO ACID SUPPLEMENTATION
Authors: SUMMERS J. D. , LEESON STEVEN
Published: March 2010

A corn-soybean diet containing 20% protein and a similar diet with glycine supplementation, to give a diet with a 24% protein equivalent, were supplemented with lysine and methionine. Weight gain, feed intake and carcass composition of male broilers were compared to those of similar birds fed a 24% protein corn-soybean diet. Weight gain and feed:gain ratio for the amino-acid-supplemented 20% protein diet were not significantly different from the 24% protein diet. The addition of glycine, while having little effect on performance, resulted in a reduction (P < 0.05) in carcass fat. In a second experiment, increasing the level of dietary protein to 22% from 16% or supplementing the 16% diet with additional lysine and methionine failed to alter weight gain or feed:gain ratio during the 4- to 7-wk finishing period. However, total carcass protein was increased and total carcass fat was reduced with the higher protein diet. Although the amount of total edible meat was similar for all diets, the 22% protein diet resulted in meat containing a greater percentage of protein than the other dietary treatments. An interesting observation was the decrease in protein and increase in fat contents of breast meat when additional methionine was added to a 16% protein diet. Key words: Amino acid supplementation, broiler carcass composition, meat yields
ANALYSIS OF HAY, HAYLAGE AND CORN SILAGE SAMPLES BY NEAR INFRARED REFLECTANCE SPECTROSCOPY
Authors: VALDES E. V. , YOUNG L. G. , McMILLAN I. , WINCH J. E.
Published: March 2010

Separate calibrations for hay, haylage and corn silage were developed to predict chemical composition by near infrared reflectance spectroscopy (NIR). A scanning type of NIR instrument was used to select the best set of wavelengths (λ) while a filter type was used to evaluate the calibrations. Reflectance (R) was recorded as log (1/R). Bias (nonrandom error) was corrected for each set of samples before the NIR analysis. Percent crude protein (CP), acid detergent fiber (ADF), calcium (Ca) and phosphorus (P) were studied in the hay samples. In addition, potassium (K) and magnesium (Mg) were included for the haylage and corn silage samples. Six hundred samples, including calibration (C) and prediction sets (PRE1 and PRE2) were used. PRE1 samples came from the same population as the C samples, whereas PRE2 samples were obtained in a different year. Accuracy of the predictions was assessed by the coefficients of determination (r2), standard error of the estimate (SEE), and coefficients of variation (CV). Crude protein was the parameter best predicted by NIR with r2, SEE and CV ranging from 0.72 to 0.96, 0.43 to 1.17 and 5.6 to 10.4, respectively. The highest SEE for crude protein were associated with the PRE2 samples for haylage and hay samples (1.09 and 1.17), respectively. NIR predictions of ADF had r2, SEE and CV values ranging from 0.21 to 0.92, 1.44 to 2.53 and 5.3% to 7.9%, respectively. Corn silage had the lowest SEE for ADF in both C and PRE1 sets. Predicting mineral contents by NIR gave high CV (10.5%–34.5%) and low r2 values (0.02–0.75). Calcium predictions had the highest variability, and P and Mg predictions the lowest.These results indicate that CP was successfully predicted by NIR. The higher SEE values for ADF may have been due to variation in the wet chemistry values of some samples. Minerals were not adequately predicted by NIR as assessed by r2, SEE and CV values. Key words: Near infrared reflectance spectroscopy, forage, chemical analysis
EXTERIORIZATION OF CAROTID ARTERY IN GOATS FOR FREQUENT SAMPLING
Authors: FREDEEN A. H. , DePETERS E. J.
Published: March 2010

A technique for exteriorizing the carotid artery in goats was devised in which a 15-cm segment of the carotid artery was suspended subcutaneously, dorsal to the jugular vein. The method which does not involve a skin loop or use of a prothesis permits frequent sampling for extended periods and reduces possibility of injury in unrestrained goats. Key words: Carotid artery, goats, surgery
CHARACTERIZATION OF ANTISERUM GP26 IN RADIOIMMUNOASSAY FOR GLUCAGON IN SHEEP PLASMA
Authors: BROCKMAN R. P. , MANNS J. G.
Published: March 2010

Glucagon antiserum GP26 was characterized. It did not cross-react with VIP, GIP, motilin, secretin, glucagon, C-terminal peptide 22–29, somatostatin, enteroglucagon or insulin at concentrations up to 1 μg/mL. After correction for cross-section with "big plasma glucagon" assay with GP26 gave values comparable to those obtained using antiserum K5563. Thus, antiserum GP26 gives valid estimates of pancreatic glucagon in sheep plasma. Key words: Pancreatic glucagon radioimmunoassay, sheep
A COMPARISON OF GRASS AND CORN SILAGES FOR FINISHING STEERS
Authors: FORREST R.J. , VANDERSTOEP J.
Published: March 2010

Twenty steers fed corn silage supplemented with 0.5% urea gained 0.71 kg/day compared with 0.30 for 20 steers fed grass silage supplemented with 9% beet pulp (P < 0.05). Steers fed corn silage had less rib lean (53.0%) and intensive carcass fat color (2.9) than grass-silage-fed steers (56.3% and 3.6, respectively) (P < 0.05). All steers, except four in the grass-silage-fed group, graded either A1 or A2. Key words: Silage finishing, steers, growth, carcass fat color, carcass grade
A REVIEW OF PERIPARTURIENT BEHAVIOR IN SWINE
Authors: HURNIK J. F.
Published: March 2010

This review of periparturient behavior is divided into prepartum, parturient and post-partum phases. Nursing behavior is discussed under two headings, the neonursing and the cyclical periods. The latter period consists of several more or less distinct phases which are described. Additionally, milk intake, sow-litter bond, teat specificity, and thermoregulation are part of the review which contains 73 references. Key words: Swine, behavior, parturition, nursing
EFFECTS OF DIET, LITTER, AND SEX TYPE ON THE PERFORMANCE (FROM 22 TO 90 kg LIVEWEIGHT) AND CARCASS MEASUREMENTS OF CROSSBRED PIGS
Authors: CASTELL A. G. , CLIPLEF R. L. , McKAY R. M.
Published: March 2010

Thirty-one Hampshire × (Landrace × Yorkshire) litters provided 48 littermate trios (boar + castrate + gilt). Each subgroup of 24 pigs (eight trios with similar liveweight) was assigned to six pens, a pair for each sex type. Subsequently, from 22 to 90 kg average liveweight, pigs were self fed either a Test Station diet (ROP; 16.3% crude protein and 12.83 MJ digestible energy/kg) or one representative of commercial practice (COM; 15.2% crude protein and 12.59 MJ DE/kg). The diets were allocated at random within each pair of pens and each subgroup represented a 2 × 3 factorial design. Sixty of the pigs (derived from 10 litters which contributed a trio to each diet) provided data on physical composition of the ham and chemical composition of a sample of the longissimus dorsi, in addition to routine live and carcass measurements from all pigs marketed. In comparison to COM-fed pigs, those consuming the ROP diet were superior only for growth rate (824 vs. 788 g/day, P < 0.01), liveweight gain per kilogram feed (383 vs. 358 g, P < 0.01) and carcass grade (Value Index of 105.2 vs. 104.2, P < 0.05). Sex-type comparisons revealed that castrates had the highest (P < 0.05) rates of feed intake and growth but boars were most efficient at feed conversion (P < 0.05) and tended to produce the leanest carcasses. Gilts were usually intermediate to boars and castrates in live and carcass performance. These differences in carcass merit were reflected in the relative proportions of fat and lean in the ham from each sex type but the bone content was highest (P < 0.05) for boars and the skin content was lower (P < 0.05) for gilts compared to males. Significant (P < 0.05) litter effects were found for growth and carcass measurements, for bone and skin contents of the ham and for N content of the 1. dorsi. Rank correlations for two standard selection criteria (age and backfat at 90 kg liveweight) between boars fed the ROP diet and their COM-fed littermate castrates and gilts were not significant (P < 0.05). The apparent economic benefit (returns less feed costs) was not reduced by feeding the less-expensive COM diet ($153 vs. $175/tonne) but favored the gilts over the castrates by at least $4 per pig. Key words: Pigs, diet, sex-type, litter origin, growth, carcass
EFFECT OF FORCED EXERCISE DURING GESTATION ON REPRODUCTIVE PERFORMANCE OF SOWS
Authors: FERKET S. L. , HACKER R. R.
Published: March 2010

A trial was conducted to determine the effect of forced exercise during gestation on the reproductive performance of sows. On day 35 of gestation, 48 first parity Yorkshire sows were randomly allocated to one of four groups of 12: control-cannulated, control-noncannulated, exercised-cannulated, exercised-noncannulated. Exercised sows were forced to walk 2 km daily until day 108 of gestation when appropriate sows were cannulated in the ear vein. From day 109 on, all sows were in farrowing crates, and blood samples were taken twice daily from cannulated sows except during parturition, when samples were taken every 15 min. Serum was assayed for progesterone, estradiol and cortisol. Cannulation had no effect on any of the parameters measured. Exercised sows (ES) farrowed faster and had shorter birth intervals than control sows (CS) (P = 0.06). Several of the CS took longer than 12 h to complete farrowing whereas all ES farrowed within this time. The stillbirth rates did not differ between the two groups but a higher percentage of piglets from CS (P < 0.001) than ES died before suckling. The hormone profiles and interval from weaning to first estrus were similar between the groups but estradiol/progesterone ratios tended to be higher in exercised sows from 24 h prepartum to onset of parturition. Prepartum levels of cortisol started to increase sooner in control than exercised sows (P < 0.05). It is concluded that exercise during gestation can improve the farrowing performance of first parity sows through shorter farrowing times and more viable piglets at birth. Key words: Exercise, reproductive performance, farrowing, sows, steroids
DIGESTIBILITY AND VOLUNTARY INTAKE OF FORAGES FED AS HAY OR WILTED SILAGE TO BEEF STEERS
Authors: PETIT HELENE V. , SEOANE J. R. , FLIPOT PAUL M.
Published: March 2010

Thirty-six steers (334 kg avg body wt.) were used to study the nutritive value of alfalfa (cv. Saranac), timothy (cv. Climax) and a mixture of red clover-timothy-Kentucky bluegrass. For 2 wk, the forages were fed ad libitum as either hay or silage. Dry matter (DM) intake was measured during the second week. Digestibility was determined during the fourth week by total collection with DM intake limited to 90% of that obtained previously. DM intake was highest for alfalfa and lowest for the grass mixture (P < 0.05) but was not affected by the method of storage. Total digestible nutrient values were similar for all forages. DM intake was highly correlated with lignocellulose content (r = −0.97, P < 0.01). Digestible protein intake was estimated by an equation previously obtained with sheep (r = 0.94, P < 0.01). Dry matter and energy digestibilities were similar for all treatments. Protein digestibility of alfalfa (67.4%) was higher than for timothy and the grass mixture while the opposite was observed for crude fiber. Comparing silages to hays, silage digestibility of crude fiber was five units higher and that of protein three units lower (P < 0.05). Digestibility of cell constituents was highest for alfalfa and lowest for timothy (70.5% vs 60.9%). Cell wall digestibility was highest for timothy (59.5%) followed by the grass mixture (57.5%) and alfalfa (47.4%). True digestibility of nitrogen was estimated to be 82.7% with a metabolic excretion of 5.74 g of N/kg of DM intake. Summative equations could not predict DM digestibility accurately. Key words: Nutritive value, steer, hay, silage, forage digestibility
LASALOCID IN LIQUID SUPPLEMENTS FOR FINISHING FEEDLOT CATTLE
Authors: MADER T. L. , LOMAS L. W. , RUSH I. G.
Published: March 2010

Three trials utilizing 428 steers were conducted to evaluate the use of lasalocid in liquid protein supplements. In each trial, steers (four pens/treatment) were fed finishing rations containing no lasalocid or lasalocid at 11, 22 or 33 g/tonne of feed. Pooled analysis of data showed gains to be improved by 5.8% (1.37 vs. 1.45 kg/day) and feed efficiencies by 7.5% (7.73 vs. 7.15 kg feed DM/kg gain) over the entire finishing period for steers fed 33 g lasalocid/tonne compared to steers not fed lasalocid. The gains and feed efficiencies increased linearly (P < 0.05) during the ration adjustment period and the entire trial when lasalocid level in the diet was 0, 11, 22 and 33 g/tonne. During the adjustment period gains and efficiencies were improved 12.0 and 13.0%, respectively, by feeding the 33 g/tonne level. Positional stability of lasalocid in the liquid supplements was found to be within required U.S. Food and Drug Administration tolerances (± 20% of concentration) although, at high levels of formulation (561 g lasalocid/tonne liquid supplement), concentration of lasalocid in samples taken over time tended to increase linearly (P < 0.05). Key words: Lasalocid, feedlot, ration adjustment period, liquid supplement, stability
GROWTH AND FEEDING CHARACTERISTICS OF THREE BREEDS OF SWINE AND THEIR CROSSES
Authors: McKAY R. M. , REMPEL W. E. , CORNELIUS S. G. , ALLEN C. E.
Published: March 2010

Data from 200 hogs, representing all possible two-breed and purebreed crosses of Minnesota No. 1 (M), Pietrain (P), and Yorkshire (Y) breeds and two sexes, barrows (1) and gilts (2), were recorded following slaughter at four developmental stages (22.5 kg, 45.0 kg, 67.5 kg, and 90.0 kg liveweight). The objectives were to examine: (a) breed and sex effects on allometric growth coefficients (AGC) and lean tissue growth rates (LTGR); (b) breed differences for feed efficiency on a live animal basis (GF) and lean tissue basis (LTGF); (c) heterosis and differences between reciprocal crosses for these traits; and (d) the relationship between live animal growth rate and LTGR. Breed differences were: P × P(2) < [M × M(1,2) = P × P(1) = Y × Y(1,2)] for AGC and (P = Y)> M for LTGR, GF, and LTGF. Differences (P < 0.05) between barrows and gilts were found in the P × P and Y × P crosses for AGC but none were found for LTGR. Heterosis estimates for LTGR increased in magnitude with stage of development, but were stable when expressed on a percent basis, and differences between reciprocal crosses remained constant. Heterosis estimates were found to be significant (P < 0.05) for AGC and GF but not for LTGR. Significant (P < 0.05) differences between reciprocal crosses were reported for GF and LTGF but not for AGC. Live animal growth rate was found to be a good predictor of LTGR with R2 ranging from 0.65 to 0.84. Key words: Allometric growth coefficients, feed efficiency, breed differences, heterosis, reciprocal differences, swine
EFFECTS OF DIETARY SOAPSTOCK ON PERFORMANCE, NUTRIENT DIGESTIBILITY AND BONE MINERALIZATION IN WEANER PIGS FED TWO LEVELS OF CALCIUM
Authors: ATTEH J. O. , LEESON S.
Published: March 2010

Two experiments were conducted to investigate the effects of supplementing the diets of weaner pigs with 0, 5 or 10% acidulated soapstock in the presence of a normal (0.8%) or high (1.2%) dietary calcium level for a period of 6 wk. Increasing the dietary calcium level reduced feed intake (P < 0.05). There was no significant effect of the dietary soapstock level on feed intake, although there was a decrease (P < 0.05) in average daily gain when dietary soapstock level increased to 10%. Feed:gain ratio was not influenced by diet and no significant treatment interactions were observed for any of the performance parameters measured. Increasing dietary soapstock level increased insoluble soap concentration in the contents of the duodenum (P < 0.05), cecum (P < 0.01) and in feces (P < 0.01). There was no significant effect of dietary treatments on apparent digestibility of protein, fat, calcium, magnesium or phosphorus (P > 0.05). There was no effect of the dietary treatments on bone or serum concentrations of calcium, magnesium or phosphorus (P > 0.05). Key words: Weaner pigs, soapstock, calcium, performance, bone and serum minerals
EFFECT OF ERGOT FROM DIFFERENT SOURCES AND OF FRACTIONATED ERGOT ON THE PERFORMANCE OF GROWING CHICKS
Authors: ROTTER R. G. , MARQUARDT R. R. , YOUNG J. C.
Published: March 2010

A series of experiments was conducted on growing chicks to compare the toxic effects of ergot from different sources and to partially fractionate the toxic component(s) in ergot. Changes in body weight gain, feed consumption relative to control birds and mortality were used as indicators of toxicity. Seven-day-old male Leghorn chicks were offered feed containing ground ergot from rye, wheat and triticale for a period of 7 days. The ergot samples were obtained from different locations in Canada and were added to the diets so that the concentration of total alkaloids was either 45 or 90 mg/kg. The relative weight gains for birds fed diets containing 45 and 90 mg/kg total alkaloids varied considerably, ranging from 49 to 65% and from 18 to 42% of controls, respectively. The degree of depression in relative performance was not uniform among the different ergot samples when their concentration in the diet was increased. In a fractionation study, most of the toxic activity in the ergot was concentrated in the alkaloid fraction, suggesting that most of the toxic components are alkaloid related. There was also some loss of the alkaloids and the corresponding potency of toxic factors during the isolation. It may be concluded that the total alkaloid content of an ergot sample can be used to predict the effects of ergot on chick performance. However, it is not a highly accurate prediction due to the variable content and variable effects of the individual alkaloids in a given sample and because most of the toxic activity of ergot is associated with the alkaloid fraction. Key words: Ergot, alkaloids, chick performance, toxic component(s)
A COMPARISON OF THE EFFECT OF INCREASING DIETARY CONCENTRATIONS OF WHEAT ERGOT ON THE PERFORMANCE OF LEGHORN AND BROILER CHICKS
Authors: ROTTER R. G. , MARQUARDT R. R. , CROW G. H.
Published: March 2010

The effects of increasing concentrations of dietary wheat ergot (0.308% total alkaloids) on the performance of growing male Single Comb White Leghorn and commercial broiler chicks was studied in two experiments. As the concentration of ergot increased from 1 to 8% in the diet, there was a progressive decrease in the performance of both strains of chicks relative to birds given the control diets that contained no ergot. The broiler chicks were slightly more sensitive than the Leghorn chicks to the effects of ergot. In general, however, after 3 and 4 wk of exposure, birds which consumed 1% dietary ergot had an approximately 10% lower relative weight gain than the control birds, whereas those exposed to 8% ergot had an 80% lower relative weight gain. During the first 2 wk of both experiments, there was a progressive decrease in relative weight gain in all dietary ergot concentrations, with the exception of the 1% ergot diet. After 2 wk, feed consumption and weight gain of birds consuming the intermediate concentrations of ergot (2–5%) stabilized or tended to increase slightly relative to the controls. Mortality was low on diets containing up to 3% dietary ergot but above this concentration there was a dramatic and progressive increase in deaths with increasing ergot concentrations. Key words: Ergot, Leghorn, broiler, chick, feed consumption, growth, short-term exposure
THE ABILITY OF GROWING CHICKS TO RECOVER FROM SHORT-TERM EXPOSURE TO DIETARY WHEAT ERGOT AND THE EFFECT OF CHEMICAL AND PHYSICAL TREATMENTS ON ERGOT TOXICITY
Authors: ROTTER R. G. , MARQUARDT R. R. , YOUNG J. C.
Published: March 2010

Three experiments were conducted to investigate the ability of growing Leghorn chicks to recover from short-term exposure to dietary ergot and the efficacy of three methods used to reduce the toxicity of ingested ergot. Chicks, 32 days of age, previously fed up to 2% (wt/wt) of a wheat-ergot (0.31% total alkaloids) contaminated diet, demonstrated a significant (P < 0.0001) ability to recover from the effects of the ergot when given an ergot-free diet as indicated by improved performance (increased relative feed consumption and weight gain and decreased feed to gain ratio) (exp. I). In the second experiment, ergot was pretreated with chlorine gas for 15, 30 or 60 min or heated at 200 °C for 10, 15, 20 or 30 min in an attempt to reduce the toxic effect of the ground ergot sclerotia. When the treated ergot samples were fed to 7-day-old male Leghorn chicks at a dietary concentration of 4% (wt/wt), the chlorine gas treatments for 30 and 60 min and heat treatment for 30 min reduced the effects of ergot on chick performance to values equivalent to those obtained for a diet that contained 2% untreated ergot (wt/wt). Less, but still significant (P < 0.05) decreases were also observed with the other treatments. The third study tested a commercial mycotoxin antitoxicant, Antitox Vana (polyvinyl polypyrrolidone), which was added to the diet at concentrations of 0, 0.1, 0.2 and 0.8% (wt/wt) in combination with ergot at concentrations of 0, 1, 2 and 4% (wt/wt). At the concentrations tested, Antitox Vana was not able to counteract the appetite and growth depressing effects of ergot (P > 0.51). These results demonstrate that although the use of Antitox Vana may be ineffective against ergot, chlorine gas or heat treatment of ground ergot can, under proper conditions, effectively reduce the toxic effect of ergot. Such treatments could be used to counter the effect of ergot in contaminated grain when fed to growing chicks. Key words: Ergot, alkaloids, treatments, growing chicks, recovery, Antitox Vana, chlorine gas, heat
EFFECT OF ALTERNATING LIGHTS AND STRAIN ON ROASTER CHICKEN PERFORMANCE AND MORTALITY DUE TO SUDDEN DEATH SYNDROME
Authors: NEWBERRY R. C. , HUNT J. R. , GARDINER E. E.
Published: March 2010

Treatments in which light alternated from side to side within pens at regular intervals had no effect on male roaster chicken performance or mortality due to sudden death syndrome (SDS) compared with continuous light. Strain differences in performance and SDS mortality were noted. No differences were found between the locations of death of chickens dying from SDS vs. other causes. Key words: Alternating light, roaster chicken performance, sudden death syndrome
CHANGES IN ANIMAL PRODUCT COMPOSITION AND IMPLICATIONS FOR ANIMAL PRODUCTION SYSTEMS
Authors: JONES S. D. M.
Published: March 2010

Canadian meat products have changed in composition over the past 15 yr, the main emphasis being an increase in the lean meat content in beef and swine carcasses. Total lean output from beef carcasses (adjusted to the same number of carcasses) is estimated to have changed from 344.7 to 369.3 kt in the period 1973–1983, an increase of 7%. This change in lean output can be attributed to both the increased weight (5%) and decreased fat content (2%) of carcasses. A similar analysis for swine carcasses showed that total lean output increased from 342.8 to 383.5 kt (1967–1981), an increase of 11.9%. Both increased carcass weight (9.6%) and reduced carcass fat content (2.3%) contributed to this change in meat output. Poultry carcass weight evaluated at a constant slaughter age has more than doubled from 1958 to 1978, but average fat content has increased from 12.4% to 18.4%. These changes in red meat composition have not only provided the consumer with a leaner product, but have also lowered the cost of production through savings in feed otherwise used to produce waste fat. The composition of both beef and pork cooked retail cuts was found to be overestimated in current nutritional tables, which have in the past contributed to the perception that red meat contains high quantities of fat. Several beef and pork cuts trimmed of visible fat were found to have similar lipid contents to those of chicken and fish. There is likely to be continued emphasis on the production of leaner carcasses in the next decade. This approach will improve the efficiency of animal production systems, but may at some point have an undesirable effect on meat quality. A priority for meat research will be to develop processing systems which will maintain and improve the consumer acceptability of extremely lean meat. Key words: Beef, pork, poultry, composition
VARIATION IN PIGLET WEIGHTS: RELATIONSHIP TO SUCKLING BEHAVIOR, PARITY NUMBER AND FARROWING CRATE DESIGN
Authors: FRASER DAVID , THOMPSON B. K.
Published: March 2010

Suckling behavior and weight change of piglets were studied during the first 2 wk after birth. Thirty-six litters comprised a balanced comparison of parity number (first or second), litter size (8, 10 or 12), and two farrowing crate designs, one of which had a low horizontal bar that tended to impede the piglets' access to the udder. Piglets showed the expected preference for the anterior teats although the preference was more apparent in the second parity than in the first. Teat fidelity was most pronounced at the two ends of the udder; piglets occupying the middle positions did more fighting during suckling and missed the milk ejection more often. Within-litter variation in 14-day weight increased with increasing parity number of the dam. Initial weight explained 30–40% of within-litter variation in 14-day weight. Behavioral variables explained 2.6% of additional variation in first-parity litters, 18.1% in second-parity litters, and 22.9% in litters of older sows. Suckling position (anterior to posterior) and teat fidelity (consistency of suckling position) were the two behavioral factors most closely associated with 14-day weight. Mean litter 14-day weight showed the expected effect of litter size, but showed no differences attributable to parity number or farrowing crate design. However, within-litter variation in 14-day weight was greater (P < 0.025) in the type of crate that impeded access to the udder. This may have been due to the somewhat higher levels of fighting, and to higher within-litter variance in fighting scores, seen in these crates. Key words: Piglet, weight gain, suckling behavior, farrowing crate design, parity number
SOMATOSTATIN IMMUNIZATION AND GROWTH OF LAMBS
Authors: LAARVELD B. , CHAPLIN R. K. , KERR D. E.
Published: March 2010

Twenty cross-bred lambs were used in a replicated design to measure the growth-promoting effect of immunization against somatostatin. The lambs were immunized against human alpha-globulin (control) or against somatostatin coupled to human alpha-globulin in a 1:3.75 ratio (wt/wt) (SI). The first immunization occurred when the lambs were 27 d old, followed by three additional immunizations at 2-wk intervals. Growth was monitored from first immunization until the lambs were 103 d old. At the age of 103 d the SI lambs were heavier than the control lambs (33.2 ± 1.1 (mean ± standard error) vs. 30.1 ± 1.4 kg, P < 0.05). The average daily gain after first immunization of the SI lambs was 17% greater than that of the control lambs (310 ± 10 vs. 265 ± 10 g day−1, P < 0.05). Growth hormone and insulin secretory responses to glucose and arginine, glucose tolerance and somatomedin levels in plasma were not different between groups. Somatostatin immunization increased growth in lambs, but the mechanisms through which this occurs are not clear. Key words: Somatostatin, immunization, growth, lambs
RESPONSE OF LACTATING DAIRY COWS TO FORMALDEHYDE-TREATED SOYBEAN MEAL WHEN FED WITH CONTROL OR UREA-TREATED CORN SILAGE
Authors: ERFLE J. D. , SAUER F. D. , MAHADEVAN S. , TEATHER R. M.
Published: March 2010

In two experiments, lactating cows (26 in exp. 1; 32 in exp. 2) were fed an 11.3% crude protein (CP) diet, a 14.7% CP diet containing untreated soybean meal (SBM) or a 14.6% CP diet containing formaldehyde-treated SBM (FSBM), all three fed as a complete blended diet with control corn silage (CCS) (exp. 1); a 12% CP diet, a 13.4% CP diet containing SBM or a 13.3% CP diet containing FSBM, all fed as a complete blended diet with urea-treated corn silage (UCS) (exp. 2). In both experiments concentrates and CCS or UCS were mixed (50:50 dry matter) daily and fed ad lib for a 16-wk period. The increase of CP over the low CP negative control by addition of untreated SBM resulted in a significant (P < 0.05) increase in milk production in both experiments. The addition of FSBM had no significant effect. When comparing solids-corrected milk (SCM), addition of SBM, whether treated or not, significantly increased SCM in both experiments. In neither experiment did FSBM improve milk production over untreated SBM. All animals fed CCS lost body weight but there was no difference between treatments. For animals fed UCS the low CP group lost significantly (P < 0.05) more body weight than did the group fed FSBM. Dry matter (DM) intake was significantly (P < 0.05) lower for the FSBM fed group than for the group fed untreated SBM in exp. 1 (CCS). DM intake was significantly (P < 0.05) increased by either FSBM or SBM over the low CP control fed UCS. Milk protein was the only component significantly (P < 0.05) decreased by FSBM in exp. 1. Isobutyric and isovaleric acids were significantly (P < 0.05) lower in rumen fluid of animals on FSBM plus CCS. Rumen microbial protein content seemed to be more adversely affected by FSBM with CCS than UCS. Amino acid content of FSBM and SBM demonstrated that lysine and tyrosine were lost from SBM after treatment with formaldehyde. The lack of a response in milk production to FSBM is discussed in terms of a lysine and tyrosine deficiency for milk protein synthesis and the adverse effect that formaldehyde protection of SBM may have on the rumen microbial population. Key words: Lactation, dairy cows, urea, corn silage, soybean meal, formaldehyde treatment
THE DISTRIBUTION OF CHLOROPHYLL IN RUMEN CONTENTS AND THE ONSET OF BLOAT IN CATTLE
Authors: MAJAK W. , HALL J. W. , HOWARTH R. E.
Published: March 2010

Chlorophyll levels in rumen contents from the dorsal and ventral sac were examined before alfalfa ingestion to determine the relationship of chloroplast particles to the onset of pasture bloat in cattle. Chlorophyll concentrations were significantly higher in cattle that subsequently bloated than in those that did not. The higher levels were observed in both the liquid and solid phases of rumen contents from cattle predisposed to bloat but the liquid phase showed a greater increase. Chlorophyll levels were uniformly distributed in the rumen with little or no difference between samples obtained from the ventral and dorsal sacs. In agreement with previous results, animals predisposed to bloat showed higher rates of gas production and greater buoyancy of particulate matter in prefeeding rumen fluid. The results suggest that chloroplast particles in the rumen have a slower rate of clearance in bloating animals than in nonbloating ones. Key words: Bloat, alfalfa, cattle, rumen, chlorophyll, chloroplast particles
ESTIMATION OF THE NUTRITIVE VALUE OF SILAGES
Authors: LAFOREST J. P. , SEOANE J. R. , DUPUIS G. , PHILLIP L. , FLIPOT PAUL M.
Published: March 2010

Forty-eight wethers were used to determine voluntary intake and digestibility of eight silages made from pure swards of legumes and grasses. Chemical and physical characteristics of silages were measured and related to dry matter intake, digestibility coefficients and digestible nutrient intakes by means of simple correlation and linear regression analyses. Intakes of dry matter (DM), digestible energy, digestible protein and total digestible nutrients were correlated negatively with percentage cell walls (r = −0.87) and positively with crude protein (r = 0.92). Lignin and the logarithm of (lignin × 100/acid detergent fiber) were highly correlated to cell walls digestibility (r = 0.98). There was a close relationship between protein digestibility and crude protein content (r = 0.99). Dry matter digestibility was accurately estimated by a summative equation (r = 0.74). The physical characteristics (packed volume and water solubility) of the silages were not well correlated to either digestibility coefficients or intake. The nutritive value of good quality, well-preserved grass and legume silages was satisfactorily predicted from laboratory analyses of crude protein and cell wall components. The applicability of the equations developed in this study should be tested using a larger number of silages. Key words: Nutritive value, forages, silages, sheep
EFFECT OF BRANCHED-CHAIN AMINO ACIDS OR FATTY ACID SUPPLEMENTATION ON IN VITRO DIGESTIBILITY OF BARLEY STRAW OR ALFALFA HAY
Authors: MIR P. S. , MIR Z. , ROBERTSON J. A.
Published: March 2010

In vitro dry matter digestibilities of ground barley straw or alfalfa hay, supplemented with branched-chain amino acids (valine, leucine and isoleucine) or their corresponding fatty acids (isobutyric, isovaleric and 2-methyl butyric acids), at 4% of substrate dry matter were determined. In vitro digestibilities were obtained after incubation in either rumen fluid or rumen fluid followed by pepsin in 0.1 N hydrochloric acid. Urea was added to the branched-chain fatty acid treatments so they were isonitrogenous with the amino acid treatments. Digestibility of barley straw was increased (P < 0.05) by supplementation with all branched-chain fatty acids, when added either alone or in combination in both digestion systems. The greatest increase was from 34.8% for unsupplemented barley straw to 63.1% for barley straw plus all three branched-chain fatty acids. Valine did not improve digestibility of barley straw when incubated with either rumen fluid or rumen fluid followed by pepsin solution. Addition of isoleucine increased digestibility (P < 0.05) of barley straw in both systems, while leucine was effective only when samples were incubated in both rumen fluid and pepsin solution. However, all combinations of amino acids increased (P < 0.05) the digestibility of barley straw in both systems. In vitro digestibility of alfalfa hay was increased (P < 0.05) only when valine and leucine were used together in either system. Incubating alfalfa hay in rumen fluid plus pepsin solution increased (P < 0.05) in vitro digestibilites for all treatments. The greatest increase was from 72.8% for control to 89.5% for the treatment receiving a combination of valine and leucine. Key words: In vitro dry matter digestibility, branched-chain amino acids, branched-chain fatty acids, barley straw, alfalfa hay
A RAPID PROCEDURE FOR PURINE MEASUREMENT AND ITS USE FOR ESTIMATING NET RUMINAL PROTEIN SYNTHESIS
Authors: ZINN R. A. , OWENS F. N.
Published: March 2010

A rapid method for separation and quantitation of purines was applied to ruminal and intestinal digesta for estimating net microbial protein synthesis in the rumen. The procedure combines standard literature methods for hydrolysis of nucleotides by perchloric acid followed by precipitation of free purines with silver nitrate to separate the purines from interfering compounds. Acid resolubilized purines were quantitated spectrophotometrically at 260 nm. Microbial protein was estimated by the ratio of purines to N of isolated bacteria. The procedure is rapid, simple, precise and not costly. Duodenal passage of microbial N estimated by this procedure for steers fed semipurified and purified diets containing no protein was highly correlated (R2 = 0.98; P < 0.01) with duodenal passage of tungstic acid precipitable N. Results indicate that purines may be useful as a marker for quantitating microbial protein. Key words: Purine, RNA, DNA, microbial protein
EFFECTS OF DIFFERENT TOTALS AND RATIOS OF DIETARY CALCIUM AND PHOSPHORUS ON THE PERFORMANCE AND INCIDENCE OF LEG ABNORMALITIES IN MALE BROILER CHICKENS DERIVED FROM NORMAL AND DWARF MATERNAL GENOTYPES
Authors: HULAN H. W. , GROOTE G. DE , FONTAINE G. , MUNTER G. DE , McRAE K. B. , PROUDFOOT F. G.
Published: March 2010

A factorial experiment, with day-old Hubbard male broiler chicks (702 each from Normal and Dwarf maternal genotypes), assessed the effects of three levels of total calcium (Ca) and available phosphorus (aP) at three different ratios (Ca:aP) during the starter (0–21 d) and finisher (22–40 d) periods. General performance was assessed as well as tibia characteristics (strength, ash, Ca, P), serum parameters (akaline phosphatase, Ca, P, Na, K, Cl) and leg abnormalities (tibial dyschondroplasia (TD), twisted legs (TL) and erosion of femoral head (EFH)). Nine starter and nine finisher diets were matched with percentages of Ca and aP ranging from 0.95 to 1.45 and from 0.41 to 0.73 for the starters and from 1.00 to 1.43 and from 0.31 to 0.51 for finishers, respectively. Increasing the total Ca + aP to 2.00 and 1.81 and the Ca:aP ratio to 2.65 and 3.55 for starter and finisher, respectively, reduced (P < 0.05) TD and other leg abnormalities but resulted in the poorest biological response. Ca levels between 1.02% and 1.11% and between 1.05% and 1.14% and aP levels between 0.47% and 0.63% and between 0.35% and 0.46% for starters and finishers, respectively, supported the best biological performance. Higher levels of Ca (1.27%–1.37%) during both the starter and finisher periods resulted in a lower (P < 0.05) incidence of TD and other leg abnormalities but poorer biological performance, particularly for the heavier Normal genotype. Significant genotype × dietary regimen interactions occurred for virtually every measured trait, indicating that these two genotypes (Normal and Dwarf) are metabolically different. Key words: Diet, calcium, phosphorus, ratios, broilers, dwarf, leg abnormalities
EFFECTS OF FEEDING DEOXYNIVALENOL (DON)-CONTAMINATED WHEAT DIETS TO PREGNANT AND LACTATING GILTS AND ON THEIR PROGENY
Authors: FRIEND D. W. , TRENHOLM H. L. , HARTIN K. E. , PRELUSKY D. B. , THOMPSON B. K.
Published: March 2010

Thirty-six gilts were bred and given 2 kg feed daily through pregnancy. Three diets were used, one a control (C) containing 70% clean wheat, another (M) containing 35% clean and 35% DON-contaminated wheat and the third (H) containing 70% DON-contaminated wheat. The DON content of the diets was 0.2, 3.8 and 6.2 mg kg−1 respectively. Six of the gilts (1C, 2M, 3H) were found to be nonpregnant and one (M) was removed because of lameness. Of the 29 that farrowed five (2C, 1M, 2H) would not eat; the remaining 24 gilts completed a 21-d lactation. The diets were offered up to a maximum of 5 kg daily during lactation. Body weight data for pregnancy and lactation showed no evidence of a dietary effect. Body weight, length (crown to rump) and carcass composition of the piglets did not show any effects of the DON-contaminated diets fed to their dams. Chemical analysis of the gilts' milk showed no effect of the diet on milk quality; DON was detected only in trace or < 2 μg kg−1 concentrations. Necropsy data for the gilts, their pigs at weaning and at market weight showed no significant (P > 0.05) differences among diets; however, evidence of linear (gilts) and quadratic (weaned and market pigs) trends were found for uterus weight. The feeding of diets containing up to 6.2 mg DON kg−1 (calculated to be 0.1 mg kg−1 body weight daily) to gilts during pregnancy and lactation did not appear to have any deleterious effects upon the gilts, or their progeny at weaning and at market weight. Key words: Deoxynivalenol, pregnancy, lactation, milk, gilts, pigs
NUTRIENT UTILIZATION OF PELLETED AND UNPELLETED FORAGES BY PONIES
Authors: CYMBALUK N. F. , CHRISTENSEN D. A.
Published: March 2010

Two separate digestion studies using mature ponies evaluated nutrient utilization of unpelleted alfalfa, brome, slough and oat hays and pelleted alfalfa, oat and barley hays grown in Saskatchewan. Alfalfa and cereal hays provided between 2.33 and 2.58 Mcal digestible energy (DE)/kg dry matter (DM). Brome and slough hay supplied 2.13 and 1.75 Mcal DE/kg DM, respectively. Alfalfa hay had a higher digestible crude protein content than other forages tested within each trial. Calcium (Ca) availability was lower from oat hay than other unpelleted forages (P < 0.05). Ponies were in negative Ca balance when either oat or barley hay pellets were fed; this occurred through an apparent increase in urinary Ca excretion. Phosphorus (P) balances were negative when slough hay or cereal hays were fed. Oxalate and phytate determinations were made in forages and concentrations of 0.26–1.3% oxalate and 0.06–0.44% phytate were obtained. Voluntary intakes of alfalfa and brome hay by ponies were higher than oat or slough hays (P < 0.05). Pelleted alfalfa hay was eaten in larger amounts than oat or barley hay pellets (P < 0.05). Of the forages tested, alfalfa hay was considered to be the best hay for supplying nutrients for horses. Cereal hays provide a good source of energy and protein for mature equids but would require macromineral supplementation. Key words: Forages, pony, nutrient utilization
THE PERFORMANCE OF ONE NORMAL AND TWO DWARF MEAT MATERNAL GENOTYPES AND THEIR PROGENY AS AFFECTED BY REARING AND ADULT DIETARY TREATMENTS
Authors: PROUDFOOT F. G. , HULAN H. W.
Published: March 2010

The performances of one normal and two dwarf meat maternal genotypes were compared in a factorial experiment designed to estimate the combined effects of feeding two juvenile diets (low protein (LP) high energy (HE) versus high protein (HP) low energy (LE)) from 106 to 140 days and four adult dietary treatments (LPHE, HPHE, HPLE and an HPLE excluding canola meal) fed from 141 to 420 days. The performance of the three genotypes differed significantly (P < 0.05) for egg production, egg fertility at 322 days, feed efficiency, live body weights and monetary returns less the cost of chicks and feed. One of the dwarf gentoypes exhibited the highest monetary returns. Juvenile dietary treatments had no significant (P > 0.05) effect on the traits measured except age at sexual maturity and female body weights at 154 d. Several traits were affected by the adult dietary treatments including mortality, incidence of fatty liver syndrome, hen-day egg production, feed efficiency up to 322 and 420 days and live body weights. Mortality due to fatty liver syndrome was significantly (P < 0.01) lower among hens fed the high protein, low energy diet without canola meal compared with hens fed the other three adult diets, all of which included canola meal as a feed ingredient. Key words: Dwarf, meat breeders, hens, broilers, diets, fatty liver syndrome, genotypes
EFFECT OF DIETARY OAT HULLS OR WHEAT BRAN ON MINERAL UTILIZATION IN GROWING PIGS FED DIETS WITH OR WITHOUT SALINOMYCIN
Authors: MOORE ROBERT J. , KORNEGAY E. T. , LINDEMANN M. D.
Published: March 2010

Four balance trials were conducted to determine the effect of dietary fiber (oat hulls or wheat bran) and salinomycin on mineral absorption and balance in growing pigs. The experimental diets were a corn-soybean meal control diet (C), a diet containing 10% oat hulls (OH), a diet containing 20% wheat bran (WB), each with or without salinomycin (SM; 82 mg kg−1). The inclusion of OH decreased Ca (P < 0.06) and Zn (P < 0.01) balance, largely as a consequence of decreased fractional absorption (absorbed as a percentage of intake), and decreased (P < 0.10) P balance and efficiency of P retention (P < 0.04). OH did not influence Mg balance. WB did not affect Ca, Zn or P balance, but increased (P < 0.02) Mg balance, primarily due to an increase in Mg intake. Both OH and WB depressed absolute and fractional Na absorption (P < 0.01), with only nonsignificant reductions in Na balance. OH depressed K absorption (P < 0.01), but apparent K absorption was slightly increased (P < 0.08) by WB due to a greater K intake. Neither fiber source affected K balance. Pigs fed the OH and WB diets were in positive Mn balance, in contrast to the negative Mn balance in pigs fed the C diets. OH and WB increased (P < 0.01) Cu intake, and despite a decrease in fractional Cu absorption in pigs fed the OH (P < 0.03), balance was not affected. WB increased (P < 0.01) Cu balance. The apparent and fractional absorption of P was improved by SM (P < 0.05) only in pigs fed the WB diets. SM decreased apparent and fractional Cu absorption and Cu balance in the OH trials (P < 0.05) and WB trials (P < 0.01) for pigs fed the C diets only. SM did not influence Ca, Mg, Na, K, Zn or Mn absorption and balance. The results indicate that OH, and to a lesser extent WB, decreases mineral balance in pigs. The greater effects of OH suggest that differences in the chemical and physical properties, and susceptibility to degradation, may be as important as level in the diet in determining the impact of dietary fiber on mineral balance. Key words: Swine, dietary fiber, salinomycin, mineral balance