bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Artificial Insemination of Ewes with Ram Semen Frozen by the Pellet Method
Authors: Curnock R M , Reed H C B , Logue D N , Maxwell W M C 
Published: June 2019

One problem encountered in the widespread application of sheep artificial insemination (AI) is the rapid decline in fertility of fresh or liquid chilled ram semen. An effective deep-freezing procedure would enable semen to be collected and stored from selected rams throughout the year for subsequent use in controlled breeding programmes, as well as facilitating the import and export of semen.Following some encouraging results from the use of pooled semen frozen by an Australian pellet method (Maxwell et al 1980), further field trials were conducted to investigate fertility of semen frozen from individual rams as well as pooled semen. The effects of season of freezing and number of inseminations on fertility were also investigated.
The Use of Sheep A.I. for Genetic Improvement in Commercial Lamb Production
Authors: King Margaret E , Clark C F S , Fraser C , Aitken R 
Published: June 2019

In 1980/81 the North of Scotland College of Agriculture and the Rowett Research Institute carried out collaborative trials on artificial insemination of ewes. The ewes were double inseminated at 48 and 60 hours after pessary withdrawal, using diluted, fresh semen chilled to 15°C. The average conception rate at synchronised oestrus was 70%.Considerable interest was shown by farmers in the North East of Scotland resulting in on-farm trials. These were restricted to a 50 mile radius of Aberdeen in order to minimise time between collection and insemination and ensure viability of semen. However one trial entailed flying semen to the Orkney Island of Hoy and covered 250 ewes over two days of which 66% lambed to the synchronised oestrus.
Characterisation of the Lactation Curve in Pakistani Buffaloes
Authors: Gondal K.Z. , Rowlinson P. 
Published: June 2019

The rate of milk secretion in dairy animals displays a trend throughout the lactation period. It increases to a maximum in a few weeks following parturition and decreases thereafter until the animal goes dry.This trend draws a certain curve, namely the lactation curve.The milk yield of a single lactation may be influenced by many factors but the general shape of the lactation curve defined by the locus of weekly yields remains substantially unchanged. It rises rapidly to the peak within a few weeks after calving followed by a more or less gradual decline until the end of lactation.The analysis of the lactation curve, i.e. the week to week output of milk and trend of increase and decrease in yield with advancement of lactation is important for day to day management and forward planning of dairy herds by reliable forecasting of week by week milk production, seasonal variation and the total milk yield of individual cows or groups of cows.A number of reports pertaining to dairy cattle have been published but very few studies have been concerned with buffaloes. In most of the countries, the buffaloes have been used for draught purpose but it is in the Indian subcontinent that this animal is seen at its greatest advantage as a source of animal protein, i.e. milk and meat for human consumption.
The Genetic Improvement of Dairy Cattle
Authors: Land R.B. , Simm G. , Thompson R. , Woolliams J.A. 
Published: June 2019

Dairying is the largest single sector of British agriculture. European milk production is however in surplus and the imposition of quotas has put pressure on the industry. It has also constrained the interaction of the industry with market forces and hence its potential for progressive development. The greater the pressure the more important is efficency and hence the greater the need for and the benefits from genetic improvement. This paper reviews breeding objectives for dairy cattle, and considers the opportunities for the uptake of new technologies such as multiple ovulation and embryo transfer, and physiological predictors of genetic merit.Concentration on clear and limited breeding goals is crucial to the success of any breeding programme. This is probably the principal factor underlying the greater genetic progress achieved in North America and New Zealand than in Europe.Gibson (1987) has estimated that the optimum ratio of fat:protein In milk for processing is currently about 1.65:1 (i.e. 5.6% fat would be required to match the current average protein production of about 3.4%). Even with a 30% fall In consumption of dairy fat, the optimum fat % in milk for manufacturing would still be 3.8—4.7%.
The ability of growing pigs to control their protein intake when fed in different ways
Authors: Kyriazakis I. , Emmans C.C. , Whittemore C.T. 
Published: June 2019

On a single feed an animal can increase its intake of a nutrient (eg. protein), as its ratio to energy is reduced, only by increasing its rate of energy intake. When given, as a choice, two feeds of a different protein but equal energy contents, it can vary its protein intake independently of Its energy intake by varying the proportion of each feed in its diet.The experiment described here was designed to investigate the effect of feed protein content on the feed intake of young pigs and to test the proposition that young pigs, when given a choice between two feeds of different protein contents, a combination of which is non-limting, will select a diet which meets their protein requirements. In addition an investigation of the rules which govern the diet selection was carried out.Four feeds (L, A, B and H) with similar energy contents (16.5 MJ DE per kg fresh feed) but different levels of crude protein (CP) were formulated and made into pellets. All feeds were intended to be non-limiting in vitamins and minerals.
Genetic Resistance to K88 E. Coli - Pig Performance Trials
Authors: Walters J.R. , Sellwood R. 
Published: June 2019

International field data suggest that up to one out of every four piglets dies before weaning. After accounting for stillbirths, crushing and piglets that die because they do not get enough to drink or are too weak to survive, most of the remainder die of scours. In the first week of life most scours are caused by Escherichia coli. Data have suggested that up to 50% of these scour deaths are caused by the K88 type E. coli, accounting directly for the deaths of about 150 thousand piglets per year in the U.K. and over 10 million worldwide. Field observations have suggested that only some litters are affected while others remain healthy even though they are reared alongside litters with K88 scour. Similarly, it has been observed that the progeny from certain boars are more susceptible.
Management - Disease interactions in pigs 3: Nutrition - disease interactions
Authors: Miller B.G. , M.Bailey  , Telemo E. , Stokes C.R. , Bourne F.J. 
Published: June 2019

Both level of feeding and dietary composition have been demonstrated to influence bacterial colonisation and diarrhoea in the weaned pig (Smith & Hall 1968, Bertschinger et al 1978, Lecce et al 1983). Kenworthy and Allen 1966 proposed that “the stimulus to bacterial growth derives from the hosts response mechanisms to intestinal irritation” and that the enterotoxigenic E Coli “Acts as an exacerbating agent rather than a primary pathogen” (Kenworthy et al 1967).Several workers have suggested that the primary intestinal response is villus atrophy, an elevation in crypt cell mitosis (by up to x10) and crypt cell hyperplasia, associated with malabsorption, mal-digestion and increased intra-epithelial lymphocytes. Such a response is characteristic of a T cell mediated type IV hypersensitivity (Ferguson 1980). Miller et al (1984) have therefore suggested that one of the factors which may contribute to the aetiology of postweaning diarrhoea is a transient hypersensitivity to dietary antigens prior to the development of oral tolerance.
The effect of body reserves at farrowing on the reproductive performance of first-litter sows
Authors: Mullan B.P. , Williams I.H. 
Published: June 2019

Recent work in the United States (Reese, Moser, Peo, Lewis, Zimmerman, Kinder and Stroup 1982) and in Australia (King and Williams, 1984) has clearly shown that nutrition during lactation can affect the fertility of young sows. If first-litter sows are restricted in food intake during lactation, so that they lose body weight and backfat, they take longer to return to oestrus after weaning than their counterparts fed ad libitum. To reproduce successfully the sow must have some mechanism(s) of monitoring its nutritional status, preferably before conception takes place. It is difficult to imagine mechanisms capable of monitoring body reserves per se. It is more likely that the sow can monitor changes in its body reserves, for example, by measuring the rate of lipid mobilized from adipose tissue or the rate of protein breakdown from muscles, or both.Crossbred gilts (Landrace x Large White) were selected at about 45 kg body weight (approx 3 months of age) and allocated to treatment according to litter and live weight. A total of 22 groups each of 24 animals was selected. Within each group gilts were fed (13.0 MJ DE/kg, 160 g/kg CP) either ad libitum (High), 2.0 kg/day (Medium) or 1.8 kg/day (Low) from selection through until mating.
Diets to Maintain Heat Content of Overfat Lambs on Slimming Regimes
Authors: Vipond J E , King M E , Wetherill G 
Published: June 2019

Downgrading of lamb carcasses for overfatness is a major source of revenue loss to U.K. sheep farmers due to loss of EEC payments worth up to £20 per head. The difficulties of assessing fatness on live lambs by subjective assessment using lumbar palpation and the fact that in live markets the same techniques are used by the MLC graders cause problems to the farmer attempting to avoid overfat lambs. The trial reported here addresses the problem of how to feed lambs identified at live certification as overfat with the objective of reducing fatness but retaining the meat content of the carcass. Work by Hovell, Orskov, MacLeod and McDonald (1983) using intragastric infusion techniques showed how lambs could maintain positive N balance on diets that were below accepted maintenance levels for energy but had adequate protein.In the first trial 76 Suffolk X overfat lambs previously fed on roots and concentrates outside were allocated to initial slaughter (28) or barley straw ad lib (24) versus barley straw ad lib + 100 g/day fishmeal pellets (24). Lambs were slaughtered after 14, 28 or 42 days on trial. Data was collected on the straw intake and liveweight change, but slaughter data was not available.
Effect of melatonin implants on reproductive performance in ewes
Authors: Haresign W. , Peters A.R. , Webster G.M. , King J.W.B. , Staples L.D. 
Published: June 2019

It has been known for many years that the annual breeding cycle of the sheep is controlled by photoperiod. More recently it has become apparent that this process involves the pineal gland. Light is effectively monitored by retinal photoreceptors within the eye which transmit a neural signal to the pineal gland, and this in turn responds by secreting melatonin during the period of darkness. As daylength decreases in the autumn, the duration of elevated melatonin secretion increases, and this changing ratio of high:low melatonin during each 24h period stimulates breeding activity.Both timed (by afternoon feeding or injection) and continuous (by subcutaneous or vaginal implant) administration of exogenous melatonin to ewes in mid-summer have recently been shown to mimic the effects of decreasing photoperiod by advancing the onset of the breeding season. The present experiment was undertaken to investigate the ability of a subcutaneous implant of melatonin to manipulate reproductive activity of ewes under field conditions in the U.K.
Effect of ewe body condition on mean ovulation rate and associated hypothalamic activity and responsiveness to GnRH
Authors: Rhind S.M. , McNeilly A.S. , McKelvey W.A.C. , McMillen S. 
Published: June 2019

In many breeds of ewe, body condition at mating is a major determinant of ovulation rate and lambing rate. It has been shown that differences in body condition are associated with differences in the number of large, potentially ovulatory ovarian follicles (McNeilly, Jonassen and Rhind, 1987) and mean circulating FSH concentrations (Rhind and McNeilly, 1986). Differences in circulating gonadotrophin concentrations could be a function of parallel differences in either hypothalamic activity or pituitary sensitivity to GnRH; either or both of these factors could be affected by ovarian steroid feedback. The aim of this experiment was to investigate the effect of ewe body condition on these parameters in the absence of ovarian steroidal feedback.LH secretion was used as an indirect measure of the secretion of GnRH from the hypothalamus since LH secretion closely mirrors GnRH secretion (Clarke and Cummins, 1982). Pituitary sensitivity was assessed by measurement of LH release following injection of a GnRH bolus.At 2 and 7 days after bilateral ovariectomy, blood samples were collected from each of 2 groups of 12 mature Scottish Blackface ewes in condition scores of 2.75/3.00 (H) or 1.75/2.00 (L) and with mean(+ s.c.) liveweights of 53.4 ± 1.47 kg and 38.2 ± 1.80 kg respectively. Samples were collected every 15 mins for 8 h and then for a further 3 h after each ewe was injected (I.V.) with 10 μg GnRH. They were analysed for concentrations of FSH and LH.
An ELISA technique for the determination of soya bean lectin in animal feeds
Authors: Prince R.I. , Miller B.G. , Bailey M. , Telemo E. , Patel D. , Bourne F.J. 
Published: June 2019

Soya bean (Glycine max) contains large quantities of lectin, which has been implicated as an important anti-nutritional component of animal feeds; but the significance of this has previously been difficult to assess, since no simple method has been available to accurately measure lectin concentration.We have now developed an assay method suitable for the routine screening of animal feeds using minimal laboratory apparatus. The technique relies upon an enzyme linked immunusorbent assay (ELISA) system, to give a visible colour indication of the presence of SBL.Samples (100 ul) are serialy diluted on microtitre plates prior coated with affinity purified rabbit anti-SBL antibody. Bound lectins are then detected using a second anti-SBL antibody raised in sheep, followed by an alkaline phosphatase conjugated pig anti (goat) IgG. The addition of p-nitrophenyl phosphate disodium (Sigma 104) substrate gives a yellow colour in the presence of lectin.
Variation in the Seasonal Oestrus Period in Three Breeds of Greek Sheep
Authors: Vosniakou A. , Tsakalof P. , Doney J.M. 
Published: June 2019

The preferred mating period in Greece is spring and early summer. Conception rate to natural mating at the end of one oestrus period or early in the next is low, leading to a lengthy lambing period. Some 10% of flocks are synchronised during this period by a standard progestagen/PMSG treatment. There is considerable variation in ovulation rate, conception rate and litter size which could be related to within-flock variation in oestrous activity.Fourteen adult ewes from each of three breeds -Chios, Karagouniko and Serres - were maintained as a single flock at Diavata (latitude 40.5°N), without mating, from the end of the milking period in September. From the following April, oestrous activity was checked daily by vasectomised ram for 18 months. Live weight was maintained approximately constant at 59, 54 and 54 kg, respectively, for Chios, Karagouniko and Serres. Plasma progesterone was measured 10 days after detected oestrus and after 28 days when there was no intermediate activity. A silent oestrus in the breeding period was counted as oestrus but when it occurred prior to the first or after the last detected oestrus, it was not used to determine the breeding period.
The effect of dietary protein concentration on the performance of triplet rearing ewes and their lambs
Authors: Davies D.A.R. , Gallo C.B. 
Published: June 2019

In ewes rearing triplets high milk yields in early lactation are vitally important. The trial was conducted to investigate the influence of dietary protein intake on ewe milk yield and the performance of their triplet reared lambs.The trial involved 24 Cambridge (C) and 12 Suffolk x Cambridge (SxC) ewes rearing triplets. Ewes and their lambs were housed and penned in individual family groups until 35 days post partum. During the 7-35 day period ewes were fed ad libitum one of two coarsely milled complete diets differing in protein concentration (Table 1) together with a daily allocation of 510 g hay (oven dry).
Effect of concentrate energy source on lactation performance of dairy cows
Authors: Abubakar M.M. , Rowlinson P. , Armstrong D.G. 
Published: June 2019

Over recent years there has been increasing interest in the diversity of materials which may be used as energy sources in dairy cow concentrates. Traditionally, many dairy concentrates have been based upon cereals with the cereal starch providing a rapidly fermentable energy source. Such diets, particularly on systems where the feeding frequency is low, may depress rumen pH and promote low rumen volatile fatty acid ratios of acetic + butyric : propionic which are associated with the production of milk of low fat content. The feeding of dairy concentrates based upon materials containing appreciable quantities of digestible fibre may be expected to alleviate this problem. The purpose of the trial reported here was to investigate the effect of concentrate energy source on lactation performance of dairy cows.30 autumn calving multiparous Friesian cows were fed one of two concentrates which were formulated to isoenergetic extremes of starch and fibre content.Three weeks before their expected calving date cows were housed in cubicles with access to Calan individual feeders. Following equalised concentrate feeding in a post-parturn covariance period, one of each pair (Pairing having been on the basis of previous milk yield, milk composition and expected calving date) was gradually introduced to its designated concentrate over a five day period. Cows were flat rate fed at 7, 10 or 13 kg concentrate DM/d (depending upon yield potential) from day 20 of lactation for 10 weeks. Concentrates were fed in three equal feeds daily.
Effect of energy intake during lactation on nitrogen retention by the sow for 35 days post-weaning
Authors: Roos M. A. , Bechtel Peter J. , Easter Robert A. 
Published: June 2019

To establish the effect of an Inadequate dietary energy intake during lactation on the repletion of maternal energy and protein stores post-weaning.Forty-two crossbred, multi-parous (parity 2 to 5) sows were randomly assigned to diet on day-1 of lactation based upon ancestry and parity, Diets were (1) high-energy (66.9 MJ/day) and (2) low-energy (33 MJ/day). Lactation diets were prepared with maizestarch and soyabean meal and formulated to provide equal intake of all nutrients except energy during the 28-day lactation. Total daily nutrient intake was achieved in four proportional meals All litters were standardized to nine pigs/litter on day-1 of lactation. On day-14 of lactation, daily milk yield was estimated by the Weight-suckle-welgh method. Sows were weighed on day-1, day-21 and day-28 of 1actation. Maternal weight change was calculated using maternal weight postpartum and at weaning. On day-28 of lactation, ten sows (weight 182 to 258 kg) from each treatment were selected at random and assigned to metaboilsm crates for a 35-day post-weaning nitrogen and energy balance experiment.
The effect of feed intake during late pregnancy on the performance of sows when fed a common high level during lactation
Authors: Harker A J , Cole D J A 
Published: June 2019

It is established that backfat depth and body condition during late pregnancy and lactation can be manipulated through changes in feed intake (Harker and Cole, 1984). Other work has shown that high level feeding throughout pregnancy is associated with a reduction in voluntary feed intake (e.g. Salmon-Legagneur and Rerat, 1962; Harker and Cole, 1985). However, it remains unclear whether high level feeding during late pregnancy alone has any effect on subseguent voluntary feed intake or changes in liveweight and backfat depth during lactation.The present experiment was designed to compare the performance and body condition changes of sows fed different levels in late pregnancy followed by a common and relatively high feed level during lactation.
Dried Poultry Manure as a Nitrogen Supplement for Young Cattle on Winter Grazing.
Authors: Smith T. , Sibanda S. , de Souza C.R. , Chakanyuka C. , Chihora R.M. 
Published: June 2019

A feeding trial with young cattle, supported by measurements of digestibility and intake in lambs, was carried out to compare dried poultry manure (DPM) with cottonseed meal (CSM) or a urea maize mix (UM) as supplements to unimproved dry season grazing.Eighty Mashona steers, aged 9 months, initial live-weight 157 kg, were divided into eight groups, one of which was used as an initial slaughter group. The remainder were grazed by day and penned overnight (119 days). Whilst in the pens they received either no supplement (C) or DPM; CSM; UM; DPM + CSM; CSM + CSM; UM + CSM. The single supplements contained 150g crude protein and the double supplements 250 g crude protein per day. All animals were offered a mineral supplement and water was available during the day. At the end of the dry season half of the animals from each group were slaughtered and half retained to measure compensatory growth.Twelve lambs housed in crates each received one of the treatments (C, DPM, CSM, UM) with veld hay ad libitum (CP 2.5%) to measure digestibility and intake.
Genetic and environmental effects on barley straw quality
Authors: Capper B.S. , Rihawi S. , Nagi I. 
Published: June 2019

Before progress can be made in the selection of barley varieties (or genotypes) which have superior straw quality it is necessary to demonstrate stability for indicators of straw quality. This means that the ranking of genotypes from those with superior straw value down to those with lower value should be broadly similar when planted either at the same location in different years (or growing seasons) or in the same growing season at different locations. A preliminary test which can be carried out is to compare variation in straw quality caused by genotype with genotype x season interaction variation following removal of variation caused by blocks and season.Barley straw was obtained from 20 genotypes grown, in randomised blocks with three replications, in successive seasons in Syria where rainfall was 229 mm in 1983/84 and 373 mm in 1984/85. There were two experiments, one where the plots had been grazed by sheep at the tillering stage and another where plots were left ungrazed. The material planted consisted of 62-rowed and 146-rowed genotypes.
Early postoperative interventional aortic valve closure for severe aortic regurgitation in a neonate after Norwood procedure
Authors: Dilber Daniel , Eicken Andreas , Cleuziou Julie 
Published: June 2019

AbstractA neonate presented with signs of heart failure early after a Norwood procedure, due to increase of aortic and mitral valve regurgitation. Because repeated surgery was considered risky, we closed the aortic valve by catheter intervention with an Amplatzer Duct Occluder. Aortic regurgitation was abolished almost completely and the child improved. Unfortunately, 2 weeks after discharge, the patient died suddenly.