bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
THE COMBINED EFFECT OF A HIGH CALCIUM PRE-LAY DIET, A HIGH PROTEIN LAYER DIET AND SUPPLEMENTAL OYSTER SHELL ON EGG SPECIFIC GRAVITY AND OTHER BIOLOGICAL TRAITS OF SINGLE COMB WHITE LEGHORN HENS
Authors: PROUDFOOT F. G. , HULAN H. W. , McRAE K. B.
Published: March 2010

Three experiments, involving 1728 adult Leghorns (Starcross 288), were designed to study the combined effects of grower diet calcium level (3.26 vs. 0.80%) fed from 105 to 147 days and the feeding of supplementary oyster shell and a high protein diet (20.1 vs. 15.1%) from 147 to 497 days of age, on shell strength (egg specific gravity) and other performance traits. In exps. 1 and 2 the hens were housed in individual cages and two birds per cage, respectively, while in exp. 3 birds were housed in floor pens. The feeding of supplementary oyster shell during the laying period had little effect on mortality, egg production, egg weight, body weights or feed consumed per dozen eggs produced. Birds fed the high protein diet were heavier toward the end of the laying period compared with birds fed the low protein diet in the three experiments. Birds fed the high protein diet laid larger sized eggs but this was significant (P < 0.05) only in exp. 1. The high protein layer diet coupled with supplementary oyster shell feeding resulted in improved eggshell strength. In comparison with the low calcium grower diet, the high calcium grower diet did not statistically (P < 0.05) improve shell strength. Key words: Eggshell strength, diets, protein, calcium, Leghorn, poultry
A SURVEY FOR CATTLE GRUBS (Diptera: Hypoderma SPP.) IN SLAUGHTERED CATTLE IN MANITOBA PACKING PLANTS, 1980
Authors: GALLOWAY T. D. , HARLOS J. A.
Published: March 2010

In 1980, 65 615 cattle were surveyed for cattle grubs between 12 Feb. and 27 June in three Manitoba packing plants. Steers represented 60.2% of the sample, heifers 25.0%, cows 11.6%, calves 2.3% and bulls 0.9%. The majority of the animals examined originated from Manitoba and Saskatchewan, but 222 steers from Alberta were also inspected. Live grubs were first detected on 12 Mar. with peak intensity of infection (5.7 grubs per animal) occurring during mid-May. For steers and heifers of known origin, 11.0% and 10.1%, respectively, from Manitoba carried 4.1 and 3.7 grubs per animal while 5.6% and 7.8% from Saskatchewan carried 3.7 and 2.9 grubs per animal during the period 10 Mar. −27 June. 5.8% of the steers from Alberta carried an average of 2.4 grubs per animal. A total of 8250 grubs were identified as Hypoderma bovis; no H. lineatum were detected. Key words: Cattle grubs, slaughtered cattle, Manitoba packing plants
FACTOR(S) INFLUENCING THE SURVIVAL OF COCK SPERMATOZOA IN VITRO
Authors: FUJIHARA N. , KOGA O.
Published: March 2010

Spermatozoa stored in cultured oviducal cell fluid dialyzed through a membrane with a molecular weight cutoff over 12 000 maintained their motility for a slightly longer period (P < 0.01) compared to those in fluid dialyzed through a lower molecular cutoff membrane. However, spermatozoa were able to maintain their motility longer (P < 0.01) in the medium containing living cells than those in fluid dialyzed through a molecular weight cutoff membrane. Key words: Cock spermatozoa, survival, cultured cells
EFFECT OF FASTING ON PLASMA GLUCOSE KINETICS IN DOUBLE-MUSCLED CATTLE
Authors: STRATH R. A. , THOMPSON J. R. , CHRISTOPHERSON R. J.
Published: March 2010

The effect of a 4-day fast on plasma glucose kinetics was determined with three 14-mo-old carrier bulls and three of their double-muscled (DM) half-siblings. Glucose entry rate and irreversible loss were less (P < 0.05) during fasting for both animal types. Glucose pool size was greater (P < 0.05) in carrier than in DM bulls. Key words: Plasma, glucose kinetics, double-muscled bulls
MEASUREMENT OF BIOAVAILABLE ENERGY IN POULTRY FEEDINGSTUFFS: A REVIEW
Authors: SIBBALD I. R.
Published: March 2010

The importance of knowing the bioavailable energy (BE) content of poultry feedingstuffs is discussed in terms of economics, feed intake and the environment. The partition of ingested dietary energy is described and the effects of nutrient intake and of the microflora of the alimentary canal are outlined. Indirect biological, physical and chemical assays for BE are described and appraised. Procedures common to several direct bioassays for BE are discussed and points to consider in choosing between total excreta collection and the use of an indicator are presented. Assays for digestible energy, apparent metabolizable energy, true metabolizable energy and net energy are described. Variables affecting estimates of BE such as bird type, assay environment, assay diet and intake, assay design, the nitrogen correction, and metabolic plus endogenous losses are considered and a bioassay is recommended. The review concludes with brief speculation about future developments in the field of feedingstuff evaluation. Key words: Review, Energy, Assays, Methodology, Bioavailable
A COMPARISON OF THE GROWTH AND CARCASS CHARACTERISTICS OF STEERS REARED ON PASTURE AND FINISHED FOR VARYING PERIODS ON CORN OR GRASS SILAGE
Authors: FORREST R. J.
Published: March 2010

Sixty small-framed yearling Hereford and Hereford cross steers initially averaging 268 kg were reared on pasture from May to October, divided into two (30 each) approximately equal weight groups and placed in a feedlot. The steers were serially slaughtered in groups of 10 (five heaviest from each treatment) after 0, 35, 70, 98, 126 or 154 days of feedlot finishing on either grass or corn silage supplemented with 0.9–2.3 kg-head−1∙day−1 of a mixed grain ration containing 5% molasses. Average gains on pasture were 0.80, 0.75 and 0.54 kg/day for the consecutive 59, 48 and 61 day periods between 9 May and 24 Oct. Steers finished on corn silage gained significantly faster (P < 0.05) and had significantly more dissectable rib fat when slaughtered (0.82 kg/day; 27.6%) than steers finished on grass silage (0.51 kg/day; 24.6%). Six of the 10 steers slaughtered off pasture graded B1 or C1 while one of the feedlot steers graded B1 and the remaining 53 graded A1 or A2. The subjective carcass fat color score of the steers slaughtered off pasture averaged 4.7 which was significantly greater than the fat color of the feedlot finished steers (3.0–3.6). The corn silage steers had a color rating of 3.4 while the grass silage steers rated 3.7. The results of this experiment indicate that yearling steers reared on pasture and finished between 35 and 70 days on grass or corn silage with low concentrate supplementation will produce acceptable carcasses in terms of grade and subjective fat color score. Key words: Growth, carcass characteristics, steers, pasture, silage
THE EFFECT OF CONFINEMENT HOUSING UPON THE INCIDENCE OF LEG WEAKNESS IN SWINE
Authors: SATHER A. P. , FREDEEN H. T.
Published: March 2010

Live animal evaluation for soundness of foreleg (FL), hindleg (HL), and hip (HP) and postslaughter cartilage condition score (CCS) of the elbow were recorded for 257 Lacombe male castrates (barrows) and gilts, housed either singly or in groups of four in confinement or in groups of 12 in large outside pig lots. Barrows had poorer FL, HL and HP scores than did gilts (P = 0.111, 0.032 and 0.001, respectively). Management system (P = 0.005, 0.001 and 0.001) and its interaction with sex (P = 0.096, 0.016 and 0.023) also affected the scoring of the FL, HL and HP, respectively. Single and group-confinement-housed gilts did not differ in leg weakness or CCS, while singly penned barrows suffered greater cartilage damage (P = 0.037). In general, confinement-housed pigs had greater leg weakness of FL, RL, and HP (P < 0.001), but this effect was attributed almost entirely to barrows (P < 0.001). No meaningful correlations were found between leg weakness and average backfat. The correlations between FL and preweaning (−0.23) and post-weaning ADG (−0.24) suggest that a prerequisite for optimum growth rate is structural soundness. Confinement housing and not growth rate appears to be the primary factor contributing towards the incidence and severity of structural weakness in the pig. Key words: Pig, leg weakness, swine management, confinement housing, growth rate, backfat
POTENTIAL ALTERNATIVES TO LAMB MILK REPLACER FOR THE ARTIFICIAL REARING OF LAMBS
Authors: HEANEY D. P. , SHRESTHA J. N. B. , PETERS H. F.
Published: March 2010

Two experiments were conducted to evaluate the relative performance of artificially reared lambs fed four types of liquid diets: (1) lamb milk replacer (LMR) with 24% protein from spray-dried milk products and 24% fat in the dry powder; (2) high quality calf milk replacer (CMR) with 20% protein from spray-dried milk products and 20% fat; (3) fresh cow milk (CM); or (4) equal proportions of LMR and CM (LMR:CM). Average daily gains of lambs fed CMR or CM were lower by 16% and 12%, respectively, and weaning weights were lower by 10% and 5%, respectively, than those of lambs fed LMR. Gains and weaning weights of lambs fed LMR:CM were identical to those fed LMR. Lamb survival was marginally lower among CMR- and CM-fed lambs compared with those fed LMR. There were no observable differences among any of the feeding regimens in the general appearance, thriftiness or well-being of the lambs. The results indicate that, with good management, satisfactory lamb performance under artificial rearing can be achieved with high quality CMR or CM and that under practical conditions lower feed costs could offset the marginal reduction in lamb performance. Key words: Lambs, artificial rearing
THE EFFECT OF PLANTING DENSITY ON THE NUTRITIVE VALUE OF CORN SILAGE FOR LACTATING COWS
Authors: FISHER L. J. , FAIREY N. A.
Published: March 2010

A late-maturing corn hybrid, Funk brand G4444, was planted in 2-ha plots at 60 000 plants per hectare (low density) and at 100 000 plants per hectare (high density). At harvest, the dry matter and ear contents were 24.2 and 34%, respectively, for the low-density treatment and 22.8 and 28%, respectively, for the high-density treatment. Two groups of 10 lactating cows were used to compare the nutritive value of the ensiled forages over a 10-wk feeding period. Silage dry matter intake, milk yield and milk fat content were 10.33 kg/day, 27.11 kg/day and 3.52% for the cows fed high-density silage compared to 11.79 kg/day, 31.88 kg/day and 2.91% for those fed the low-density silage. Feeding the low-density silage resulted in a decreased level of acetic acid in the rumen and an increased level of propionic acid. Blood hematocrit and plasma calcium levels were lower for cows fed the silage from the low-density planting. Dry matter digestibility of the complete ration was 72.5 and 71.8% for the high- and low-density plantings, respectively. It was concluded that an increased ear content of approximately 10 percentage units resulted in a corn silage which was consumed more readily, altered rumen fermentation and caused a decrease in milk fat content. Key words: Corn silage, lactating dairy cows, planting density
THE INVOLVEMENT OF DIETARY PROTEIN SOURCE AND CHILLING IN THE ETIOLOGY OF DIARRHEA IN NEWLY WEANED PIGS
Authors: POUTEAUX V. A. , CHRISTISON G. I. , RHODES C. S.
Published: March 2010

Two experiments were conducted to evaluate the involvement of dietary protein and short-term chilling on the incidence of diarrhea and on transit time of digesta in pigs weaned at 3–4 wk of age. The three protein sources used were buttermilk powder (BMP), soybean meal (SBM) or pea protein concentrate (PPC), which provided 85% of the dietary protein. In exp. 1, 72 pigs were exposed to a 16 °C decrease in ambient temperature for 8 h on day 4 of a 9-day feeding trial; 72 pigs were not chilled. The pigs on the PPC diet gained less (539 g) (P < 0.05) than pigs on BMP (1183 g) or SBM (952 g) although intakes were similar. Neither diet nor chilling affected fecal moisture content or the incidence of diarrhea. The PPC ration increased (P < 0.05) transit time (slowed rate of passage) on day 8. Chilling on day 4 decreased (P < 0.05) transit time (18.7 vs. 25.6 h) on that day. Neither protein source nor chilling caused differences in total or coliform bacteria isolated from fecal samples on blood agar or MacConkey's agar. In exp. 2, eight chilled and nine control pigs were euthanized and the quantity of three markers in six segments of the gastrointestinal tract was determined. The PPC diet passed more slowly than the other diets. In chilled pigs, the chromic oxide front was closer to the anus, indicating an increased rate of passage. It was concluded that the severity of the cold exposure was not suffficient to induce diarrhea and that there was no interaction between the effects of chilling and of dietary protein. There was, however, a tendency for chilling to increase the rate of passage of digesta which could have an additive effect on the severity of nutritional diarrhea. Key words: Pigs, weaning, diarrhea, protein, cold, transit time.
EFFICACY OF TETRACHLORVINPHOS-IMPREGNATED CATTLE EAR-TAGS AGAINST LIVESTOCK DIPTERA IN SOUTHERN QUEBEC
Authors: LEWIS DAVID J. , BLOCK ELLIOT
Published: March 2010

Tagging of pastured cattle with one tetrachlorvinphos-impregnated (13.7%) ear-tag per animal resulted in an average 95.9% reduction of horn flies over a 14-wk period. A reduction in the numbers of face flies (84.3%), house flies (65.9%), and stable flies (60.3%) was also achieved. Key words: Tetrachlorvinphos, ear-tags, cattle, Diptera
INFLUENCE OF PHOTOPERIOD ON THYROTROPIN RELEASING HORMONE-INDUCED PROLACTIN RELEASE IN EWES
Authors: HOWLAND B. E. , SONYA D. , SANFORD L. M. , PALMER W. M.
Published: March 2010

The influence of photoperiod on serum prolactin levels and prolactin release induced by thyrotropin releasing hormone (TRH) was determined in ewes maintained under the following lighting regimes: Room 1, lighting mimicked natural changes in photoperiod; Room 2, annual photoperiod changes condensed into 6 mo with short days in June; Room 3, same as Room 2 except photoperiod changed abruptly from 16.5 to 8.0 h on 21 Mar. and back to 16.5 h on 21 June; Room 4, constant light. Weekly blood samples were obtained from February to August. Additionally, blood samples were collected before and after treatment with 10 μg TRH on 19 May, 13 June, 27 June and 19 July. Prolactin levels were elevated in ewes exposed to long days or constant light. The mean of all pre-TRH samples was significantly correlated with stress-induced elevations in prolactin (highest pre-TRH value) (r = 0.72) and area under the TRH-induced release curve (r = 0.56). The prolactin release in response to TRH was greatest in ewes exposed to long days or constant light. Abrupt increase of day length elevated pretreatment prolactin levels (P < 0.01) and increased area under the response curve (P < 0.05). Key words: Photoperiod, TRH, prolactin, ewes
GROWTH OF THE REPRODUCTIVE TRACT OF THE GILT FROM BIRTH TO PUBERTY
Authors: DYCK G. W. , SWIERSTRA E. E.
Published: March 2010

Growth of the ovaries, uterus and oviducts was determined in groups of four gilts on the day of birth and at 2-wk intervals from 42 to 168 days of age, and in six gilts on the day after puberty. Ovarian and uterine growth from birth to 168 days was described by cubic regressions (R2 = 0.841 and 0.772, respectively). Changes in the growth pattern occurred after 70 days. Ovarian weight increased up to 112 days and then remained constant until puberty. The number of small (1- to 3-mm diam.) and large (> 3-mm diam.) vesicular follicles reached constant levels by 140 days. At puberty there was a decline in the number of small and large follicles. Oviduct weight and length increased between 70 and 112 days and then remained constant until puberty when a further increase in weight and length occurred. The rate of uterine weight and length increase changed between 70 and 84 days, followed by a continual gradual increase in weight to day 168, while uterine length remained relatively constant. At puberty there was a further increase in weight and length. From birth to puberty the pituitary and adrenal glands had linear increases in weight while the thyroid gland weight changes were described by a cubic regression (R2 = 0.733) with an increase in weight between 70 and 112 days and a constant weight to 168 days. These results indicate that there are four stages of development: from birth to 70 days; 70 days to 140 days; a variable time interval to just before puberty; and the changes associated with puberty. Key words: Puberty, reproductive tract, growth, swine, gilts
FACTORS AFFECTING IN VITRO RUMEN DIGESTION OF FABA BEAN CULTIVARS (Vicia faba L.)
Authors: BUCKLEY K. E. , DEVLIN T. J. , MARQUARDT R. R.
Published: March 2010

Experiments were conducted investigating the in vitro dry matter digestibility of eight faba bean (Vicia faba L. var. Major and Vicia faba L. var. Minor) cultivars. The testa of the different cultivars had a tannin content of 0−6.4%. The effect of adding condensed tannins on in vitro dry matter digestibility and in vitro protein digestibility of faba bean protein concentrate was also examined. Whole bean in vitro dry matter digestibility was greater (P < 0.05) in tannin-free faba bean cultivars than in those containing tannin. When the cotyledons and testa of some of the cultivars were examined separately, this difference was shown to be largely due to the higher digestibility of testa from the tannin-free cultivar. Regression analysis indicated that the in vitro digestibility of the whole bean was related to both the tannin and lignin contents of the testa. Autoclaving various faba bean fractions decreased (P < 0.05) the in vitro dry matter digestibility of the protein concentrate, whole bean and cotyledons, but had no effect on the digestibility of testa and starch. Adding condensed tannins, isolated from faba bean testa (cv. Diana), to the in vitro fermentation media decreased (P < 0.05) the in vitro dry matter and protein digestibility of the faba bean concentrate. The added tannins may have exerted their effect by binding the substrate protein. Key words: In vitro digestion, faba bean cultivars
EVALUATION OF TWO GLUCOPYRANOSYLAMINES AS NONPROTEIN NITROGEN SOURCES FOR CATTLE: DIGESTIBILITY AND EFFECT ON GROWTH AND FEED CONVERSION
Authors: MARTIN P. J. , MATHISON G. W. , MILLIGAN L. P.
Published: March 2010

N-[carbamoyl]-β-D( + )-glucopyranosylamine (NCG) and N-[N′-hydroxymethyl-carbamoyl]-β-D ( + )-glucopyranosylamine (HNCG), manufactured from glucose and urea with molasses or barley as the source of glucose, were evaluated as slow release nonprotein nitrogen (NPN) supplements in two feeding trials with steers and a digestibility trial with wethers. In exp. 1, 50 steers (initial weight of 263 kg) were assigned to five treatments providing no source of supplemental N, urea, soybean meal, NCG, or HNCG in diets consisting of 1.8 kg/day of concentrate, 0.93-1.13 kg/day of liquid supplement and ad libitum chopped timothy hay (10.1% crude protein). Daily gain was reduced (P < 0.05) by 22% and dry matter per unit of gain was increased (P < 0.05) by 24% when HNCG was added to the control diet. No differences were observed between daily gain and feed conversion of steers on the other four treatments.In exp. 2, 16 steers were assigned to each of three treatments entailing individual feeding of diets containing no supplemental N, soybean meal, or NCG during a growth (67% straw in diet) and a finishing (15% straw in the diet) period. In the first period steers fed soybean meal grew faster (P < 0.05) than those fed no supplemental N while those given NCG grew at an intermediate rate. In the finishing period steers fed NCG grew more rapidly (P < 0.05) than those fed soybean meal, but not faster (P > 0.05) than steers fed the control diet. Dietary treatment had no significant influence on overall performance or carcass characteristics in this experiment. The digestible energy contents of NCG and HNCG supplements were estimated to be 14.6 and 12.6 MJ/kg dry matter respectively (SEM = 0.9) in exp. 3. Nitrogen balance of wethers was increased (P < 0.05) from − 4.9 to + 4.9 and 6.4 g N/day when NCG and HNCG, respectively, replaced 20% of a pelleted sun-cured alfalfa ration. It was concluded that NCG is a potential commercial slow-release NPN supplement for cattle whereas further research with HNCG would be necessary before it could be recommended as a slow-release NPN source for ruminants. Key words: Glucopyranosylamines, NPN, cattle, digestibility, growth efficiency
THE EFFECT OF SODIUM BICARBONATE, SODIUM BICARBONATE PLUS MAGNESIUM OXIDE OR BENTONITE ON THE INTAKE OF CORN SILAGE BY LACTATING COWS
Authors: FISHER L. J. , MacKAY V. G.
Published: March 2010

Four trials, each employing 10 cows were designed as 2 × 2 latin squares, with each experimental period consisting of a 1-wk preliminary period and a 4-wk period for data collection. The objective of the experiments was to determine the effectiveness of either sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3), NaHCO3 plus magnesium oxide (MgO) or bentonite as buffers when they were mixed with corn silage just prior to feeding. The treatments compared were: Trial I, control vs. NaHCO3 (180 g·cow−1·day−1); Trial II, control vs. bentonite (300 g·cow−1·day−1); Trial III, control vs. NaHCO3 (180 g·cow−1·day−1) plus magnesium oxide (MgO, 60 g·cow−1·day−1) and Trial IV, NaHCO3 (180 g·cow−1·day−1) vs. bentonite (300 g·cow−1·day−1). Silage dry matter intakes (SDMI) were 10.61 vs. 10.93 and milk yields were 26.6 vs. 29.3 kg/day for control vs. NaHCO3 in Trial I; 10.03 vs. 10.39, and 29.5 vs. 30.1 for control vs. bentonite in trial II; 10.62 vs. 10.69, and 23.6 vs. 24.7 for control vs. NaHCO3 + MgO in Trial III and 11.49 vs. 10.79, and 29.4 vs. 29.5 for NaHCO3 vs. bentonite in Trial IV. In the latter trial cows fed silage supplemented with bentonite had significantly lower milk fat and protein percentages and rumen pH compared to those supplemented with NaHCO3. Similarly in Trial II cows fed bentonite had lower rumen pH and milk protein percentage than the control cows. It was concluded the bentonite did not act as a buffer and was not beneficial when added to corn silage just prior to feeding. NaHCO3 improved milk yield in one trial and milk fat percentage but the degree of response did not warrant its routine use as a supplement to corn silage. Key words: NaHCO3, MgO, bentonite, corn silage, lactating cows, buffers
HIGH MOISTURE GROUND EAR CORN, HIGH MOISTURE BARLEY OR SODIUM HYDROXIDE TREATED BARLEY FOR LACTATING COWS: MILK PRODUCTION AND RATION UTILIZATION
Authors: KUNG Jr. L. , JESSE B. W. , THOMAS J. W. , HUBER J. T. , EMERY R. S.
Published: March 2010

Whole barley was treated with sodium hydroxide (NaOH) in laboratory trials. Dry matter disappearance from nylon bags in the rumen of whole barley treated with 2.5, 3.5, or 4.9% NaOH for 30 h was 59.6, 72.4, and 93.0%, respectively, compared with 82.2% for untreated ground barley. In a subsequent lactation trial, 24 Holstein cows (eight per treatment) were fed high moisture ground ear corn, high moisture rolled barley or high moisture whole barley treated with 3.5% NaOH. Milk persistencies tended to be greater for cows fed high moisture rolled barley, next for ground ear corn and least for NaOH-treated barley. Milk composition was similar for all treatments. Dry matter intake was greatest for cows fed ground ear corn and lower for those fed the barley diets. Alpha-linked glucose and pH of feces were similar for cows fed ground ear corn and high moisture rolled barley diets, but fecal pH was lower and alpha-linked glucose concentrations three times greater for NaOH-treated barley. Digestibility percents of dry matter, acid detergent fiber and nitrogen were 61.4, 25.3, 64.7 for ground ear corn; 64.4, 38.0, 67.1 for high moisture rolled barley; and 56.8, 43.2, 54.8 for NaOH-treated barley, respectively. Rumen grain turnover estimated by excretion of ytterbium in feces was greatest for NaOH-treated barley (9.09%/h), intermediate for ground ear corn (6.10%/h) and lowest for high moisture rolled barley (4.93%/h). Key words: Dairy, sodium hydroxide, high moisture grains
EFFECT OF FORMALDEHYDE TREATMENT OF SOYBEAN MEAL ON RATES OF PROTEIN DEGRADATION AND MICROBIAL PROTEIN CONCENTRATION IN THE BOVINE RUMEN
Authors: MAHADEVAN S. , TEATHER R. M. , ERFLE J. D. , SAUER F. D.
Published: March 2010

Four rumen-fistulated cows were fed concentrate:corn silage (40: 60) diets in a 4 × 4 latin square design experiment. The diets differed in the soybean meal or soybean meal treated with 0.1, 0.3 or 0.6% (wt/wt) formaldehyde. Rumen contents were collected hourly from 0900 h to 1600 h with an additional sample at half an hour after the 1100 h feeding on 3 days in the second week of each 2-wk experimental period. The maximum ammonia concentration in rumen contents decreased with increasing levels of formaldehyde used to treat the soybean meal. From 1130 to 1200 h the rates of ammonia appearance in the rumen contents were different (P < 0.05) for all four diets. Treatment of soybean meal with between 0.1 and 0.3% (wt/wt) formaldehyde reduced its in vitro degradation by rumen protease by about 50% compared with the untreated control. The rates of in vivo ammonia appearance and in vitro proteolysis were highly correlated (r = 0.966, P < 0.01) between 1130 h and 1200 h. These rates of rumen ammonia appearance reflected the in vivo rate of proteolysis. Both bacterial and protozoal protein content decreased significantly at the higher levels of formaldehyde treatment. There was a negative correlation (r = − 0.63, P < 0.01) between protozoal and bacterial protein. Key words: Formaldehyde, soybean meal, bovine, rumen, degradation, protease
THE PERFORMANCE OF LACTATING COWS FED UREA-TREATED CORN SILAGE IN COMBINATION WITH SOYBEAN OR FISHMEAL CONTAINING CONCENTRATES
Authors: ERFLE J. D. , MAHADEVAN S. , TEATHER R. M. , SAUER F. D.
Published: March 2010

A total of 41 multiparous Holstein cows were randomly allocated, prepartum, to one of five diets. Diets were (1) a negative control consisting of 15.5% soybean meal (SBM) concentrate plus control corn silage (CS) (12.6% crude protein, (CP)); (2) 33.5% SMB concentrate plus CS (15.6% CP); (3) 15.5% SMB concentrate plus urea-treated corn silage (UCS) (15.1% CP); (4) 12% fishmeal (FM) concentrate plus UCS (15.4% CP); and (5) 26% FM concentrate plus CS (16.2% CP). Concentrates and CS or UCS were mixed (40:60, dry matter) daily and fed ad lib for a 305-day lactation period. An increase in dietary CP from 12.6% in the negative control to 15.4% by the inclusion of FM and UCS significantly (P < 0.05) increased 305-day milk production while a similar increase in CP by inclusion of SBM and UCS did not. Milk fat content (%) was higher (P < 0.05) for cows fed diets 2 and 3 than for those fed diets 1 and 5. Fat production (g/day) during weeks 13–16 of lactation was greater for cows receiving diets 2, 3 and 4 than for those on diets 1 and 5. Body weight gain during the lactation was significantly (P < 0.05) greater for animals on diet 5 than those on the other four diets. Compared to the negative control, rumen ammonia concentration was significantly (P < 0.05) elevated when soybean meal was fed alone or in combination with UCS but not when when FM was similarly fed. The results suggest that NPN was effectively utilized when used to increase total dietary CP from approximately 12 to 15%. Key words: Fishmeal, soybean meal, urea-treated silage, dairy cattle
NUTRITIVE VALUE OF COMMON BUCKWHEAT AS A SUPPLEMENT TO CEREAL GRAINS WHEN FED TO LABORATORY RATS
Authors: THACKER P. A. , ANDERSON D. M. , BOWLAND J. P.
Published: March 2010

An experiment was conducted to determine the nutritive value of common buckwheat as a supplement to the common cereal grains. 192 Spraque-Dawley weanling rats were randomly assigned to one of 32 treatment groups with three males and three females per group. The experimental treatments consisted of one of the common cereal grains, wheat, oats, barley, corn, rye, triticale, white rice or paddy rice, fed as a monocereal or with 25, 50 or 75% of the cereal replaced by common buckwheat. An additional 54 rats were utilized to determine digestibility coefficients for the monocereal diets fed in the growth trial. Weight gain, feed intake and feed conversion efficiency improved at each increment of buckwheat inclusion for all grains under test. Cereals with the lowest concentration of lysine showed the most marked improvement due to supplementation with common buckwheat. Digestibility coefficients of 67.4% for dry matter, 65.8% for crude protein and 66.5% for energy were lower for buckwheat compared with the cereals which averaged 84.8% for dry matter, 81.8% for crude protein and 85.2% for energy. It would appear that buckwheat may be a valuable supplement to cereal grains as its high lysine content compensates for the limiting lysine content in diets consisting predominantly of cereals. Key words: Rat, buckwheat, cereals, supplement
DIETARY PHOSPHORUS REQUIREMENTS OF LAYING HENS KEPT IN FLOOR PENS AND FED DIETS CONTAINING CANOLA MEAL
Authors: THOMAS DAISY , ROBBLEE A. R. , CLANDININ D. R.
Published: March 2010

An experiment of 46 wk duration was conducted to study the phosphorus requirements of laying hens kept in floor pens and fed diets containing different levels of canola meal (CM). The hens were given diets in which P levels were altered by adding either 10, 20 or 25% CM or an inorganic P supplement. The results obtained indicated that increasing the dietary level of P from 0.40 to 0.44, 0.48 or 0.50% by adding either CM or an inorganic P supplement had no effect on mortality, rate of production, feed conversion, body weight, blood P levels or calcification as measured by tibia or toe ash content. There was also no effect on egg quality traits as measured by egg weight, Haugh unit values, specific gravity, egg fracture force or deformation. Inclusion of CM in the diets resulted in some increase in thyroid size which was directly related to the level of CM used. The productive performance of the groups fed CM showed that the high level of P in this ingredient was well utilized by the laying hen. From the results it may be concluded that a level of 0.4% P in a laying diet, with all of the P derived from plant sources, was sufficient to meet the dietary P requirements of laying hens kept in floor pens. Key words: Phosphorus requirements, laying hens, canola meal
A MODIFIED NYLON BAG TECHNIQUE FOR DETERMINING APPARENT DIGESTIBILITIES OF PROTEIN IN FEEDSTUFFS FOR PIGS
Authors: SAUER W. C. , JØRGENSEN H. , BERZINS R.
Published: March 2010

A method for measuring protein digestibility of small feed samples was developed with growing pigs fitted with a single cannula in the duodenum. Feed was ground through a 0.8-mm mesh screen and 1-g samples were enclosed in 25 × 40-mm monofilament nylon bags (50-μm mesh). Following pre-digestion in vitro to simulate gastric digestion (0.01 N HCI; pepsin 1 g/L; 2.5 h), the bags were inserted into the small intestine via the duodenal cannula, recovered in feces within 48 h, frozen, lyophilized and analyzed for protein. Apparent protein digestibility of soybean meal and meat-and-bone meal were 88.1 and 80.9%, respectively, compared with 90.0 and 79.1, respectively, determined conventionally. Protein digestibility (nylon bag vs. conventional technique) for three barley samples were 63.2 vs. 65.2%, 62.8 vs. 67.6% and 62.3 vs. 67.5%. The pigs were fed a 16% crude protein grower diet during the nylon bag studies. Preliminary studies showed no recovery of nylon bags in feces, unless the pig was starved for 1 day, when these were administered via a gastric cannula. The nylon bag technique, when samples are inserted via the duodenal cannula, appears to be a promising approach for rapid determination of protein digestibilities in small samples of feedstuffs. Key words: Nylon bag, digestibility, protein, cannula, pigs
SELENIUM-ARSENIC INTERACTION IN THE WEANLING PIG
Authors: MORRISON L. L. , CHAVEZ E. R.
Published: March 2010

Twenty 3-wk-old weanling piglets were fed supplemental selenium (Se) (0, 0.1 ppm) and supplemental arsenic (As) (0, 100 ppm) in a 2 × 2 factorial design for 6 wk. A significant As × Se interaction effect was observed on weight gain and feed consumption but not feed:gain ratio. Arsenic supplementation reduced weight gain and feed consumption in pigs receiving Se but had no effect on Se-deficient pigs. Hematocrit, hemoglobin and whole blood Fe concentrations were not significantly affected by dietary As or Se. Spleen, liver, muscle, kidney and fecal samples from As-supplemented animals had significantly higher As concentrations than control animals. Plasma protein concentration was significantly decreased in As-supplemented pigs. A significant As × Se interaction indicated that the effect of As supplementation had a greater effect on plasma protein with low dietary Se conditions than when dietary Se is adequate. Plasma glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activity was significantly affected by Se and there was an As × Se interaction effect. Arsenic supplementation enhanced the enzyme activity in pigs receiving Se. However, enzyme levels were lower in pigs receiving the Se-deficient diet supplemented with As compared with pigs receiving only Se-deficient diets. Arsenic appears to intensify an adequacy or deficiency of Se when measured by GSH-Px activity. Key words: Selenium, arsenic, piglet, weaners, trace mineral, interaction
BLOOD PLASMA AND PRODUCTION TRAITS IN COMMERCIAL BROILER PARENT STOCKS
Authors: GRUNDER A. A. , CHAMBERS J. R. , GAVORA J. S. , LEFKOVITCH L. P.
Published: March 2010

Blood plasma and production traits were studied in nine sire-type and seven dam-type commercial parent stocks of broiler chickens. Commercial source and sex were much more important than type in explaining variation in plasma and production traits. Levels of glucose, albumin, cholesterol and uric acid showed the greatest sex differences. Key words: Plasma, production, broiler parent, canonical correlation
EFFECT ON CALF GROWTH AND BLOOD COMPOSITION OF PREPARTUM INJECTION OF VITAMIN D3 OR 25-HYDROXYVITAMIN D3 TO BEEF HEIFERS
Authors: HIDIROGLOU M. , PROULX J. G.
Published: March 2010

Pregnant beef heifers, housed indoors and fed grass silage, were used as controls or treated prepartum with vitamin D3 or 25-hydroxycholecalciferol. Four months after birth, calves from treated dams were significantly heavier. Plasma calcium in calves was unaffected by treatments, while magnesium and phosphorus were only affected in the first week of life. Key words: Cattle, vitamin D, growth, blood composition
A STUDY OF SOME OF THE FACTORS INFLUENCING EASE OF CALVING IN RANGE BEEF HEIFERS
Authors: MAKARECHIAN M. , BERG R. T.
Published: March 2010

This study was performed in two parts. In the first part, 349 calving records of 2-yr-old heifers in 1979, 1980 and 1981 were analyzed by least-squares to assess the effects of lowering sire birth weight on calf birth weight and ease of calving. The study demonstrated that using sires with lower birth weight in 1981 compared to 1979 and 1980 (31.12 vs. 40.12 and 40.17 kg, respectively), reduced the average calf birth weight (32.65 vs. 36.04 and 34.62 kg, respectively) which in turn improved calving performance of the heifers in 1981 compared to the previous years. In the second part, 128 calving records of 2-yr-old heifers in 1981 were analyzed to study the relative importance of hip height, area of pelvic opening, condition score and weight at calving on calving performance. The results indicated that heifer weight at calving had a significant influence of calving performance (P < 0.01). Calving performance improved with increases in heifer weight at calving. Height at hip was phenotypically correlated with weight at calving, area of pelvic opening and calf birth weight. Phenotypic correlation between weight at calving and area of pelvic opening was also highly significant. The area of pelvic opening might exert a threshold effect on calving performance in 2-yr-old heifers. Key words: Cattle, dystocia, range beef heifers
INHERITANCE OF WEIGHTS OF LAMBS REARED ARTIFICIALLY OR WITH THEIR DAMS
Authors: SHRESTHA J. N. B. , PETERS H. F. , HEANEY D. P.
Published: March 2010

This study involved 250 lambs reared artificially with milk replacer and solid diet from 2 to 70 days and 316 lambs creep-fed solid diet and reared with their dams from birth to 70 days. Thereafter, all lambs were retained on solid diet to 140 days of age. Heritability estimates for weights of lambs reared artificially tended to be larger than the corresponding estimates for lambs reared with their dams (P > 0.05). Phenotypic variances of lambs reared with their dams were larger at birth and at 35 days, whereas lambs reared artificially had larger phenotypic variances at 70 and 140 days of age. Estimates of genetic correlation between half-sib family means of lambs reared artificially with corresponding half-sibs reared with their dams ranged from 0.15 to 0.91, suggesting the absence of sire × rearing system interaction. We conclude that greater genetic response to selection for lamb weights at various ages could be achieved from direct selection among lambs reared artificially compared to those reared with their dams. However, in the absence of artificial rearing, prospective breeding stock reared with their dams should be tested for postweaning performance to permit full expression of transmitted sire differences. Key words: Sheep, lamb rearing, heritability estimates, genetic correlation
COMPARISON OF THE HEIFER REPRODUCTION TRAITS OF THE DAUGHTERS OF SEVERAL SIRE GROUPS
Authors: BATRA T. R. , McALLISTER A. J. , LEE A. J. , CHESNAIS J. P. , DARISSE J. P. F. , EMSLEY J. A. B. , ROY G. L. , VESELY J. A. , WINTER K. A.
Published: March 2010

Ages at first heat and first conception, age and weight at first calving, number of services per conception, and incidence of difficult calving and retained placenta were obtained from 853 heifers of the National Cooperative Dairy Cattle Breeding project of the Research Branch of Agriculture Canada. Among these, 483 heifers were from Agriculture Canada Research Branch Holstein cows and by Research Branch, Canadian and U.S. Holstein sires (H line). The other heifers were from Research Branch Ayrshire cows and by Research Branch, Canadian, U.S. and Finnish Ayrshire as well as Brown Swiss and Norwegian Red sires (A line). The data were analyzed by least squares analysis of variance using a model containing fixed effects of station, year of birth, season of birth, line, sire groups within line, and sires within sire group within line. The effects of station and line were significant for most of the heifer reproduction traits studied while the effect of year of birth was only significant for age at first conception and weight at first calving. H line heifers on the average showed first heat 27 days earlier, were 11 days younger at first conception, were 13 days younger at first calving, were 33 kg heavier at first calving, had 30% more difficult calving and 9% fewer retained placenta than the A line heifers. Differences among the sire groups within the H line were small and nonsignificant while within the A line they were significant for age at first heat and weight at first calving. Key words: Heifer reproduction traits, dairy cattle
INFLUENCES OF TIME AND COMBINATIONS OF EQUIPMENT AND OPERATOR ON ULTRASONIC RIB FAT MEASUREMENTS FOR PREDICTION OF BEEF CARCASS COMPOSITION
Authors: TONG A. K. W. , NEWMAN J. A. , MARTIN A. H. , FREDEEN H. T.
Published: March 2010

Rib fat measurements, collected on 81 crossbred steers during three sampling periods using three operators of whom operators 1 and 2 operated a Krautkramer USM2 and a Scanoprobe 731A and operator 3 operated only a Scanogram 722, were used to study the patterns of subcutaneous fat deposition in live cattle and to assess the differences in the accuracy of predicting carcass composition among machine-operator combinations. The effects of breed of sire, animals within breed and machine-operator combinations were all significant (P < 0.01) sources of variation affecting ultrasonic measurements in each of the three periods, which were at least 22 days apart. The within-breed-of-sire linear regression of ultrasonic rib fat measurements on age (291–472 days) and on half liveweight (226–274 kg) were all positive and significantly different from zero (P < 0.01), but they were not consistent among machine-operator combinations, which limits the potential usefulness of ultrasonic measurement to characterize the rate of subcutaneous fat deposition in live cattle. However, repeated measurements over time on the same cattle improved the accuracy from 10% to 50% of four machine-operator combinations in predicting carcass dissectible muscle. The ultrasonic measurements by various machine-operator combinations differed in the accuracy with which carcass composition was predicted. In decreasing order they ranked Krautkramer-operator 1, Scanogram-operator 3, Scanoprobe-operator 2. Krautkramer-operator 2, and Scanoprobe-operator 1. Errors in ultrasonic measurements were identified as factors contributing to the relatively low efficiency of prediction equations for ultrasonic prediction of live animal carcass composition. Key words: Ultrasonic measurements, time, machine-operator differences, carcass composition
DEVELOPMENT OF A TECHNIQUE FOR GASTROINTESTINAL ENDOSCOPY OF DOMESTIC RUMINANTS
Authors: McBRIDE B. W. , BERZINS R. , MILLIGAN L. P. , TURNER B. V.
Published: March 2010

A technique of gastrointestinal endoscopy for cattle and sheep is described. To allow passing of an endoscope to specific areas of the gastrointestinal tract, cannulae were placed in the descending duodenum of sheep and the rumen and proximal duodenum of a steer. The endoscopy procedure was performed while the animals were standing, conscious and in a fed state. The endoscope was passed through the cannula and was visually guided to a specific area of the gastrointestinal tract. Endoscopic photographs depicting normal and abnormal morphological features of the reticulo-rumen, omasum and proximal duodenum of sheep and cattle were achieved. Also, a site-specific intestinal epithelium biopsy technique was developed. Key words: Gastrointestinal endoscopy, cannulation, ruminants
EVALUATION DE LA DEGRADATION DE LA MATIERE SECHE DES FOURRAGES DANS LE RUMEN DES BOVINS ET DES OVINS PAR LA METHODE DES SACHETS DE NYLON
Authors: CÔTÉ M. , SEOANE J. R. , GERVAIS P.
Published: March 2010

Rumen degradation of dry matter (DM) from different cultivars of timothy and bromegrass cut at two stages of maturity was determined by the nylon bag technique using one cow and five sheep. There were no significant differences in the DM degradation of the cultivars tested within each stage of maturity regardless of the animal species used. However, DM degradation was greater at the heading stage of maturity than at full bloom (P < 0.05). Absolute values for DM degradation were always higher for the cow than for sheep (P < 0.05). There was a linear relationship between DM degradation coefficients for the cow and the sheep. Between the values of 55 and 70% of DM degradation, one unit increase in DM degradation of forages in the sheep corresponded to a similar increase in the cow. Therefore, within these limits we can extrapolate from one species to the other when using the nylon bag technique. With feedstuffs presenting higher or lower DM degradation coefficients than within the range of 55–70%, extrapolation between species would not be recommended because of species differences in the utilisation of feedstuffs. Key words: Forages, nylon bags, ruminants
RATE AND EXTENT OF DIGESTION OF COTTON THREAD AND OF DRY MATTER AND CELL WALL CONSTITUENTS OF SOYBEAN STOVER, ALFALFA AND THEIR BLENDS AND RUMEN CHARACTERISTICS OF SHEEP FED THESE FORAGES
Authors: SOOFI R. , FAHEY Jr. G. C. , BERGER L. L.
Published: March 2010

The rate and extent of digestion of cell wall fractions of soybean stover (SBS), alfalfa (ALF) and mixtures of these forages and the interactions (associative effects) between their components were measured using dacron bags in situ in eight mature sheep. The rate and extent of digestion of cotton thread was also compared to that of cellulose in intact plant cell walls. The extent of dry matter digestibility (DMD) of SBS, 2 SBS:1 ALF, 1 SBS:2 ALF and ALF was 48.1, 56.5, 66.8 and 73.3%, respectively. Neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF) and cellulose digestibilities for the 2 SBS:1 ALF blend were 4.2, 4.1 and 4.3 percentage units lower, respectively, than expected values. Observed digestibilities for various components of the 1 SBS:2 ALF blend were not statistically different from expected values. Cotton fiber digestion in the rumen of sheep fed all ALF diets neared completion in 48 h (94.3%) and this value was significantly higher than those for sheep fed SBS (65.0%), 2 SBS:1 ALF (77.0%), and 1 SBS:2 ALF (88.5%). Rumen pH values, after feeding, tended to decline fastest in sheep fed ALF. Nitrogen recycling into the rumen occurred on all diets but was greater as quality of forage decreased. Molar concentrations of volatile fatty acids (VFA) increased after feeding in all instances. Key words: Sheep, soybean stover, alfalfa, associative effects, in situ dacron bag, cellulose digestion
FEEDING OF DEHYDRATED POULTRY MANURE TO STEERS ON PERFORMANCE, BLOOD AND URINE PARAMETERS AND LIVER DRUG-METABOLIZING ENZYME ACTIVITIES
Authors: KINZELL J. H. , YOKOYAMA M. T. , SHULL L. R. , FLEGAL C. J. , ANSTEAD J. R. , MAGEE W. T. , KREHBIEL J. D. , SLEIGHT S. D.
Published: March 2010

The effects of feeding dehydrated poultry manure (DPM) to steers during a 180-day finishing period on performance, blood and urine parameters and liver drug-metabolizing enzyme activities were evaluated and compared to control steers fed a conventional diet. No significant treatment differences were observed for average daily gain, daily dry matter intake and feed efficiency; however, steers fed the DPM diet had a slightly higher dry matter intake and a lower feed efficiency. Aside from an initial refusal of the DPM diet and a moderate diarrhoea during the last month of the study there were no clinical signs of toxicity. Blood and urine parameters examined showed no abnormal differences, fluctuations or trends between steers fed either the DPM or control diet. There was no evidence of pathological changes attributable to DPM feeding in gross or histological examinations. Liver microsomal cytochrome-P-450-dependent drug-metabolizing enzyme activities were not influenced by the feeding of DPM. With the exception of rib eye area, which was significantly smaller (P < 0.01) for steers fed the DPM diet, carcass traits were not affected. Key words: Poultry manure, steers, performance, metabolic parameters
EFFECT OF WHEAT BRAN IN PRACTICAL DIETS ON MINERAL ABSORPTION BY PIGS AT TWO AGES
Authors: NEWTON G. L. , HALE O. M. , PLANK C. O.
Published: March 2010

Twenty-four pigs were individually housed and fed diets containing either 0, 10 or 20% wheat bran. Digestion trials (chromic oxide indicator) were conducted when the pigs had been fed the diets for 14 days (period 1) and again after 80 days (period 2). Addition of 20% wheat bran reduced (P < 0.01) dry matter and crude fiber digestibility. Fe absorption was nonsignificantly depressed by wheat bran during period 1 but increased (P < 0.05) during period 2 while Cu absorption was depressed (P < 0.01) during period 1 but not period 2. Zn absorption was nonsignificantly depressed for the 20% wheat bran diet during period 1 but was significantly depressed (P < 0.05) for both bran diets during period 2. Apparent P absorption was increased (P < 0.01) with both bran diets. An indigestible bran fraction recovered from feces indicated that bran fiber accumulated Ca, Cu, Sr, Al and B to some extent, and Fe and Zn to a great extent. In younger animals, Fe and Cu may be the elements of greatest concern while in older animals this may be limited to the availability of Zn. Key words: Trace minerals, iron, copper, zinc