bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A Luxury creep heating technique for new born piglets
Authors: Smith Paul , Barraud N P , Spechter H H 
Published: June 2019

Trials have previously shown that during the first 48 hours of life, new born piglets are reluctant to use forward-creep areas. In the neo-natal period, in order to prevent piglets lying in the danger-zone, luxury creep heating has been proposed. This comprises temporary heating at the rear and sides of the sow. On commercial farms, various luxury creep-heating systems are used. In an attempt to increase the precision and safety aspects of luxury creep-heating, a purpose-built device has been developed on a commercial farm. Trials were therefore undertaken, in co-operation with Eastern Electricity, to compare this system to a conventional forward-creep system.A total of 124 litters supplied only with a 150 watt heater in the creep box (Control) was compared to 124 litters provided with the luxury regime. The supply line for the luxury device is shown diagramatically in Figure 1. It comprised a timber-mounted mains electricity power-line, temporarily suspended prior to farrowing above and behind groups of 4 sows. The line provided three 13 amp sockets for each litter and supplied a 300 watt dull-emitter located behind the sow and two 175 watt, dull emitters suspended in the side creep areas.
The efficacy of soluble glass boluses (cosecure) in grazing cattle
Authors: Driver P.M. , Carlos G. , Eames C. , Telfer S.B. 
Published: June 2019

Two soluble glass boluses (COSECURE) per animal were given to 19 (+ bolus), silage fed, growing cattle (160-350 kg) on April 16th 1984 (day 0). After 29 days these and 11 untreated (control) animals, matched for weight, breed and sex, were turned out on to a copper deficient upland pasture. On day 153 (Sept. 21) all the cattle were moved to a lowland pasture until day 196, when they were housed and fed silage.Blood samples and liveweights were taken on 5 occasions over 240 days. Copper status was assessed from plasma copper (Cu) and caeruloplasmin (CP) levels, and selenium status by erythrocyte glutathione peroxidase (GSHPx) activity.
An economic perspective on animal welfare
Authors: McInerney J P 
Published: June 2019

There is a common misperception that economics is about money. People holding this view will expect a paper on the economic aspects of animal welfare to quote various financial figures representing the effects on the costs of production, or on the consumer prices of animal products, from adjustments in production methods designed to ‘improve’ the welfare of farm livestock. Under such a view it would seem that better animal welfare is a cost to people, but a benefit to animals.However, this is too simplistic a view of what economics is really about. Economic analysis is built up from a model that treats all economic activity as a series of resource-using processes undertaken to benefit people (considered collectively, not any particular subgroup) . Livestock production is one such economic process. It takes resources (land, feed, labour, animals, veterinary services, etc) and transforms them into commodities that people want - milk, meat, eggs, wool, etc. In economic terms, livestock production is simply the exploitation of animals for human benefit. Logically, any change in this process which is subject to decision (as opposed to factors outside human control) will only take place if people want it.
Effect of selection for increased litter size on ovulation rate and embryo survival in sheep
Authors: Hanrahan J.P. 
Published: June 2019

Variation in litter size in sheep is essentially attributable to variation in ovulation rate and embryo survival. Genetic variation in litter size, both among and within breeds, is largely attributable to variation in ovulation rate. While there is evidence for genetic differences among breeds in embryo survival the contribution of this component to within breed variation appears to be minor (Hanrahan, 1982). The impact of selection based on litter size on its component traits should reflect the relative contribution of these components to within breed variation. Data from two lines of Galway sheep, a Control line and one selected for increased prolificacy (Hanrahan and Timon, 1978), have been used to provide evidence on this point.Details relating to the selection experiment which provided the data for the present study are in Hanrahan (1984). Briefly a flock of Galway sheep was assembled from industry sources (both pedigree and non-pedigree) between 1963 and 1965.
Fate of nitrogen in slurries applied to land
Authors: Pain Brian F. 
Published: June 2019

Much of the N ingested by livestock is excreted; slurries from housed animals therefore represent substantial pools of N. Recycling through the soil-piant-animal system can reduce fertilizer usage, but current waste management practices often result in water or atmospheric pollution. This may occur directly, for example through contamination of water by a leaking slurry store, or indirectly through losses of plant nutrients, especially N, to the wider environment. The adverse effects of gaseous losses, from NH3, volatilisation and denitrification, and of nitrate leaching are becoming increasingly well recognised. Such losses also reduce the amounts of N available for uptake by plants and may account for low, variable crop responses to applied slurries. The objectives of this study are to quantify losses of N following application of slurries to land and to examine strategies for reduction, so conserving N for uptake by plants.Following application of slurries to land, mainly grassland, N losses through NH3, volatilisation were measured by using small wind tunnels or micrometeorological techniques, through denitrification by a soil core incubation method with acetylene inhibition and through nitrate leaching in lysimeter experiments.
Predicting food intake in dairy heifers from part-lactation records
Authors: Simm G , Persaud P , Parkinson H , McGuirk B J 
Published: June 2019

Food accounts for 80-90% of the variable costs in dairying in the UK. In contrast to genetic improvement programmes in most other species, no account has been taken of food intake or gross efficiency In dairy breeding programmes, In the UK or elsewhere. This Is largely due to the expense and impracticality of recording food Intake in conventional dairy bull progeny testing schemes, Involving thousands of cows In many different herds. However, several studies show positive correlated responses in efficiency, following selection on milk or milk solids yield (Gibson, 1986; Korver, 1988; Persaud, Simm, Parkinson and Hill, 1990).Recently nucleus breeding programmes based on sib testing and the use of multiple ovulation and embryo transfer (MOET) have been proposed as an alternative to national progeny testing schemes for dairy cattle Improvement (Nicholas and Smith, 1983).
Hormonal manipulation of cashmere growth and shedding
Authors: Lynch Pamela , Russel A.J.F. 
Published: June 2019

Cashmere goats exhibit seasonal cycles in hair growth and moulting which are an evolutionary response to seasonal changes in temperature. The winter coat of the cashmere goat consists of two types of fibre, a coarse outer coat of guard hair produced by the primary hair follicles and a dense Insulating undercoat of cashmere (<19 microns diameter) produced by the smaller and more numerous secondary follicles. In the Spring, under the influence of Increasing daylength, both guard hairs and cashmere are shed from the follicles and a sparse coat of guard hair remains.The efficiency of harvesting fibre from cashmere goats is limited by the season of the moult, the long duration of the moulting period and by the variability between individual animals in the timing of the moult. Lynch & Russel (1989) reported that an earlier rise in plasma prolactin was associated with an advance In the onset of the spring moult in the cashmere goat.
Restricting silage fermentation by applying high levels of mixed aliphatic carboxylic acids to grass and their effect on energy value and nitrogen balance in sheep
Authors: Givens D I , Moss Angela R , Jackson D A 
Published: June 2019

A number of workers have demonstrated the ability of high rates of methonoic add applied to grass at ensiling to restrict subsequent fermentation and preserve the grass sugars (Carplntero et al, 1979; Henderson et al, 1989). Other recorded effects have included an increased proportion of protein nitrogen (N) in the silage total N (Carplntero et al, 1979) and increased dry matter (DM) intake of silage by cattle and sheep (Henderson et al, 1989). There appears to be less information on the effect of high levels of methanolc acid on digestion and nitrogen utilisation of silage and in particular when applied in a mixture with other carboxylic adds.A first cut perennial ryegrass based herbage was cut between 18 and 21 May 1988. The herbage was wilted for a maximum of 6h and was ensiled in bunker silos (capacity 50t DM) having been treated with either no additive or 5.95 1 t-1 of a mixture of aliphatic carboxylic acids. The mixture produced by BP Chemicals Ltd contained (gkg-1) 870 methanolc acid (85%), 100 propanoic add and 30 octanoic acid. Digestibility, energy value and utilisation of silage N was examined in mature wether sheep.
The developing market for farm-bred meat rabbits in britain
Authors: Jones Nick 
Published: June 2019

Rabbit meat is acknowledged as having a high protein and low fat content. With current dietary advice persuading consumers to reduce their intake of fat. rabbit meat is enjoying a return to consumer popularity in Britain. Most of the major supermarket chains stock fresh-chilled rabbit portions in their largest (if not all) branches, and, over a 12-month period, they have been ordering more than can be supplied.The typical rabbit producer starts without a background in agriculture, and this is seen as a major cause of failure, leading to supply shortages. However, the industry is changing, and a more determined, commercial, approach is emerging.Rabbits have a rapid production cycle, and a small producer, with only 30 breeding does, could have up to 370 head of stock at any time. Livestock skill is essential, but interest is continued development of appropriate systems and techniques for commercial production in Britain is lacking.
Fibre production in angora rabbits
Authors: McKay J. C. 
Published: June 2019

Angora rabbits carry a mutation.which confers continuous wool growth. The use of the wool in textiles was first recorded in 1706 in the U.K. and western Europe dominated world production until the the early 20th century. China now produces 60 percent of the world's 4,000 tonne annual crop.Genetic and nutritional improvements have led to a five-fold increase in annual yields over the last 40 years. Current commercial strains produce up to 1.5 Kg of wool per year from rabbits weighing 4 Kg. To maintain such yields requires concentrate diets with protein contents of at least 16 percent and cystine+methionine contents of 0.8 percent.The wool may be sheared or plucked and consists of three fibre types. The wool hairs (80 percent of the fleece) are among the finest animal fibres at 8-12 microns. They have a hollow medulla which gives important properties of low density (1.23 grams per ml versus 1.3 for sheep wool) and high thermal insulation (2-3 times that of sheep wool).
Production and composition of milk from suckled feral, dairy and crossbred coats
Authors: Russel A.J.F. , Adkins J.E. 
Published: June 2019

The developing UK cashmere goat industry utilises a variety of goat breeds and crosses as base stock in breed improvement programmes. Native feral goats contribute small but significant quantities of very high quality fibre and the attribute of hardiness. Stock from overseas are imported to increase the weight of cashmere produced. Some dairy goats are used for their higher prolificacy and because their superior ability to rear kids is important in the production of goat meat which is a secondary but nonetheless important source of income in cashmere production enterprises.Early growth rates of feral kids have been shown to be low in relation to those of dairy breed and crossbred kids when reared by their natural mothers (Russel, Lippert, Ryder and Grant, 1986) but it is not known whether this is a result of a low potential growth rate or a limitation in the production or composition of their dams’ milk.Little is known of the milk production characteristics of feral goats or even of dairy goats kept under suckling as opposed to milking regimes. This paper describes the milk production characteristics of suckled feral, dairy and feral x dairy goats and the effects of these characteristics on early kid growth rate.
Carcass and meat quality in “iron age” pigs
Authors: Wood J.D. , Nute G.R. 
Published: June 2019

There is anecdotal evidence that the meat of wild pigs is particularly tasty and their carcasses are lean. However it may be that the nature of the wild existence - high energy demands, low energy diet, unusual ingredients eg acorns and plant roots - is important in conferring these qualities. This Study was done to determine whether semi-wild pigs - the so called “Iron Age” breed - are different from typical modern white pigs (Large Whites) when both are reared on ‘modern’ commercial diets. Tests on carcass composition and meat quality were therefore made.“Iron Age” pigs (IAP) were formed at the Cotswold Farm Park by crossing the European Wild Pig with the Tamworth. Three litters were obtained from 2 sires and 1 female and the progeny reared from about 20 kg on a pelleted diet (13.0 MJDE/kg) fed ad libitum. Slaughter was at approximately 60 kg live weight for the 18 IAP and 6 Large White (LW) pigs (balanced for sex) used in the tasting tests and between 10 and 240 kg for the dissected animals (250 LW, 19 IAP) - these data were then corrected to 65 kg live weight. The LW pigs were from several litters reared on the Institute farm.
Associations between carcass lean and predictors of lean in the pig
Authors: Walters J.R. , Simpson S.P. 
Published: June 2019

For the pig breeder there are many important selection objectives - optimum progress can be made if sires and dams are selected for different objectives. In dam lines some emphasis on maternal traits is practicable while maintaining slightly higher fat levels than in sire lines. Meanwhile lean growth and low fatness can be emphasised in the terminal sire lines. This gives the flexibility to fulfil different end markets and weights. Selection accuracy in such programmes is often improved by the addition of detailed carcass information from slaughtered sibs or other relatives of selection candidates.For the commercial producer, classification schemes differentiate payments on the basis of backfat and in some cases, lean measurements. However, despite the fact that future payments are likely to place greater emphasis on leanness, there is no differentiaton for breed or genotype.The purpose of this investigation was to follow up a previous study (Walters and Simpson, 1988) to determine whether lean prediction in the carcass depends on slaughter weight and genotype, to identify the best predictors of leanness and to estimate multiple correlation coefficients for predicting lean in carcass from lean in sample joints.
The use of normalised nir difference spectra to monitor the time course of rumen digestion of untreated and ammonia treated straws in sheep
Authors: Givens D I , Baker C W , Zamime B 
Published: June 2019

Ammoniation is one method whereby the nutritional value of cereal straws may be increased, It is important if the use of ammonia is to be optimised under a wide range of conditions that the underlying mechanisms of its effect on straw digestion are understood.Near infra-red reflectance spectroscopy (NIR) is now widely used to predict many nutritional characteristics of forages. However, this predictive approach requires the availability of large calibration sample sets with the parameter to be predicted already determined by traditional means. The technique of mathematically subtracting spectra one from another (difference spectra) to assess changes in straws during digestion and after ammoniation has been reported by Barton et al (1986) and Barnes (1988) respectively. This approach whilst requiring no pre-calibration has so far lacked good definition and has only been used qualitatively.The purpose of the present work was to assess the ability of new mathematical treatments of the NIR spectra before subtraction to increase definition and yield quantitative data on any observed changes.
Effect of protein supplementation on the performance of intensively-fed weaned suckled bulls
Authors: Jacklin D , Rigby I 
Published: June 2019

Two trials were carried out to examine the effects of crude protein level in rations for intensively-finished suckled bulls. In 1987/88 (Year 1) high levels were tested as a possible means of delaying finishing and in 1988/89 (Year 2) low levels were tested.In both years 54 Charolais x (Hereford x Friesian) bulls born in May-June were weaned in November, following paddock-grazing of cows and calves on permanent grassland. Following weaning, the bulls were housed in straw-bedded yards and offered wilted grass silage, with concentrate feed gradually increased. After 14 days the silage was removed and concentrates offered ad libitum. The bulls were allocated to 1 of 3 treatments with 2 replicates per treatment to provide 6 groups of 9 bulls. The experimental diets consisted of rolled barley with a pelleted protein concentrate and extra mineral supplement when appropriate, as described in Table 1. This resulted in diets with a range of protein but similar major mineral contents.
Assessment of free fatty acid content on dietary energy values of soya bean oil fed to broilers
Authors: Salvador F. , Wiseman J. 
Published: June 2019

It is probable that the degree of saturation of fat may modify the response to increasing Free Fatty Acid (FFA) content and of apparent metabolisable energy (AME). The objective of the current study was to investigate the effect of FFA content on the AME value of soya bean oil.Soya bean oil (A) and soya bean acid oil (E) with FFA content of 14.4 and 683.4 g/kg fat respectively and of similar fatty acid composition, were obtained for evaluation (Table 1). Fats A and E were then mixed in proportions 75A:25E, 50A:50E and 25A:75E to give three blends of calculated FFA content of 181.7 (B), 348.9 (C) and 516.2 (D) g/kg fat respectively. All fats were included into a basal diet (Table 2) at 40, 80 and 120 g/kg and were evaluated with broiler chicks aged 1.5 weeks and 7.5 weeks of age. Apparent metabolisable energy (AME) values of fats was achieved by regression of apparent fat availability (AFA) on rate of inclusion of fat with extrapolation (linear functions). AME was determined as a product of AFA and fat gross energy.
Feeding sorghum stover to Ethiopian sheep: effect of stover variety and amount offered on growth, intake and selection
Authors: Aboud A A O , Reed J D , Owen E , McAllan A 
Published: June 2019

Wahed and Owen (1986) showed that intake of barley straw by goats increased when the amount of straw offered was increased from 18 to 54 and 90 g dry matter (DM) per kg mass (M) daily. The three offer rates were associated with refusal rates (% of offer) of 14, 57 and 70 % respectively. Subsequent work at Reading by Allmon et al (1989) indicated that goats were selecting more straw-leaf when offer rates were Increased.The present study, undertaken in Ethiopia, investigated whether similar responses would occur with sheep offered increasing quantities of sorghum stover (straw) and whether the responses would vary according to variety of sorghum. Dry-land farmers In Ethiopia and other African countries are being encouraged to plant new varieties of sorghum which are more bird-resistant than the traditional varieties. Unfortunately bird-resistant varieties have been shown to contain polyphenolic compounds which may have adverse effects on intake and digestion of stover. Two contrasting varieties of stover were therefore compared in the present study.
Growth promoters: reassessing the risk
Authors: Peters A.R. 
Published: June 2019

Legislation to control veterinary medicinal products is undergoing continual development in the EEC and UK and therefore the risks are continually reassessed. In the present paper current and future legislation together with consumer concerns both real and imaginary are reviewed.Since the EEC ban on hormonal growth promoter implants in 1986 the remaining legal products are all feed additives. Registration of feed additives in the EEC is controlled under Directive 70/524 and its various amending directives. this directive is concerned with all products added to feed and mainly includes substances used to affect the quality of the feedstuff i.e., emulsifiers, stabilisers, antioxidants, colorants and binding agents and also vitamins and micronutrients. The majority of growth promoters exert their affects by antimicrobial activity and these and certain prophylactic medicinal products such as coccidiostats are also included. All products with a therapeutic action are controlled under the Veterinary Medicine Directives 81/851 and 81/852, quite separate legislation and under the responsibility of a different department within the EEC Coimdssion. However, there is provision under Directive 84/587 amending 70/524 to transfer the medicinal feed additives to 81/851 and 81/852.
Evaluation of a simple adaptation to a farrowing pen designed to increase the comfort level of piglets in the narrow creep in the first 48 hours of life
Authors: Menaya Carmen M , English P R , Edwards S A , MacPherson O , Roden J A , Robertson A M , Vidal J M 
Published: June 2019

In commercial farrowing pens, creep areas for the piglets are often provided only at the front or on one side of the pen. Because of the strong bonding which newborn piglets have to the udder, such arrangements are often inadequate to attract piglets into the creep area where danger from hypothermia increase the suitability for the newborn piglet of farrowing pens with a typical commercial side creep design.The experiment was carried out in a commercial farrowing house with partially slatted, unbedded pens. These pens were of typical commercial ‘side creep’ design with a wide creep area on one side of the crate, and a narrow unheated area on the other. The wide creep area contained a tray with a bedding of shavings and was heated by a heat lamp. Experimental pens were adapted by placing diagonally the pen division separating the narrow creeps in two adjacent pens. This created a wider area at the front of one pen and at the rear of the adjacent pen (Fig 1). These areas were provided with a bedding of shavings and a heat lamp for the first 48 hours of life.
Effect of feeding small amounts of ammonia treated straw on degradation rate and intake of untreated straw in sheep
Authors: Manyuchi B. , Ørskov E.R. , Kay R.N. 
Published: June 2019

Supplements of readly digestible cellulose and hemicellulose enhance fibre degradation by promoting the growth of eellulolytic microbes in the rumen. In the current study supplements of ammonia treated straw were fed to a basal diet of untreated straw and intake, fibre digestion and rumen fermentation assessed.Four mature castrated male sheep weighing 50.5 to 69.6kg and fitted with permanent rumen cannulae were used. The experiment had a 4 x 4 latin square design such that the sheep were fed four diets and measurements taken oyer four periods. Each period consisted of 10 days adaptation and measurements taken for a further 8 days.The diets comprised untreated straw (control) ammonia treated straw (AS) or untreated straw together with 200g AS or 400g AS (200AS and 400AS respectively). Straw was treated with 3.5% ammonia (w/w). Untreated straw was supplemented with 1% urea (w/w). In addition both straws were supplemented with minerals and vitamins. Straw was chopped (4cm screen) prior to feeding. For diets 200AS and 400AS the treated and untreated stsaws were given in seperate troughs.