bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Combined effects of intraruminal application of acetate, propionate and distension on silage intake by dairy cows
Authors: Mbanya J.N. , Anil M.H. , Forbes J.M. 
Published: June 2019

There Is considerable evidence that end products of carbohydrate fermentation and distension of the rumen are involved in limiting intake in ruminants. Intraruminal Infusion of acetate or propionate (Montgomery et al., 1963) distension of the rumen (Campling and Balch, 1961) depressed hay Intake in cattle It is unlikely, however, that any single factor is entirely responsible for terminating feeding but that the effects of the changes that occur In the rumen during a meal, such as production of SCFA, changes In pH, osmolality, rumen distension, are Interpreted as a whole to induce satiety.In a previous study with dairy cows distension of the rumen together with Intraruminal infusions of sodium acetate and sodium propionate had additive effects on hay Intake (Anil et al, 1987) and a similar experiment has now been carried out with silage.
Depression in silage intake by infusion of propionate into the rumen of the dairy cow
Authors: Anil M.H. , Mbanya J.N. , Forbes J.H. 
Published: June 2019

It is important to understand the factors which limit forage intake in ruminants. Most work carried out on sheep has now been extended to the dairy cow. The effects and possible roles of the short chain fatty acids In the control of forage intake in the dairy cow, in particular, hay intake have already been reported (Mbanya, 1988). One of the factors in question is propionate which depresses intake when given intraportally in sheep, but hay intake in the dairy cow was not affected by intraruminal propionate. The aim of this study was to test the role of propionate in the control of silage intake which has economical importance in the dairy industry.Five rumen fistulated Friesian cows in early lactation (mean yield 25 kg/day) were used in a Latin-square experiment and individually fed grass silage (DM: 229g/kg; CP: 158g/kg DM; MAD fibre = 349g/kg DM; ether extract: 42g/kg DM; ash: 96g/kg DM) ad libitum plus 6 kg of concentrate fed twice daily. 3h intraruminal infusions of the following were made on different days: Control (no infusion), 4,6 and 8 moles of sodium propionate in 41 water. Silage intake was measured during the 3h and for 2h post-infusion.
The Effect of moving onto silage aftermath in mid-season on the intake and performance of young growing cattle
Authors: Wilkinson S C , Mackie C K 
Published: June 2019

Moving onto silage aftermath is an integral part of the 1.2.3 grazing system. In this system two thirds of the grass area are conserved for first cut silage while the other third is grazed. Between first and second silage cuts the silage aftermath is grazed while the original grazing area is closed for silage. After the second silage cut the whole area is grazed. In this trial the contribution of silage aftermath to the system was investigated by comparing the intake and performance of young cattle moved onto aftermath in raid-season with that of similar animals grazing the same sward continuously.Thirty-two Hereford x Friesian and thirty-two Limousin x Friesian steers (mean liveweight 193 ± 16.8 kg) were allocated to either Treatment C, grazed continuously on the same sward throughout the experiment or Treatment S where the animals were turned onto silage aftermath in mid-season. Treatments were replicated twice and balanced for breed and liveweight of animals.
Studies on the firmness of backfat in bacon-weight pigs
Authors: Briggs C. , Wood J.D. 
Published: June 2019

Backfat firmness is an important aspect of pig carcass quality. National values for backfat thickness have been falling annually whilst softer backfat has been increasingly reported by the meat trade. The problems of soft backfat have been well documented: it is unsightly, difficult to slice and prone to separation (MLC, 1983). All these factors can lead to downgrading of the product and consequent financial loss to the processor. Leanness of pigs is one cause of softer backfat and unsaturation of the backfat lipid, especially by the exogenous fatty acid linoleic acid (C18:2), is also an important factor (Prescott, 1988). The present study investigates the effect of backfat thickness and consequent chemical composition on fat tissue quality and considers some histological aspects of the soft fat problem.Forty-six NPD gilts were reared to obtain carcasses having a wide range of backfat thickness values at a slaughter live weight of 90 kg. Two diets containing different levels of linoleic acid and energy but the same ratios of linoleic acid to energy were used to achieve this.
Preliminary observations on skatole production in pigs
Authors: Hawe M. , Walker N. , Porter M. , Moss B.W. 
Published: June 2019

Skatole and indole, compounds formed in the large intestine by microbial breakdown of tryptophan, are associated with carcass taint (Hansson et al., 1980). The present work involved the development of a method for detecting the absolute values of the analytes in fat and faeces. The effect on faecal excretion of skatole was also examined following infusion of skatole directly into the caecum. Finally as substrate effects the type and extent of fermentation in the large intestine, different diets were fed and the corresponding faecal and fat skatole levels were determined.Skatole analysis involved homogenising adipose tissue with methanol and removal of fat by cooling and filtering. Solid phase extraction columns concentrated the analytes to produce samples which gave good resolution by gas liquid chromatography (Porter, Hawe and Walker, 1989). Due to higher levels of skatole in faeces, no concentrating phase was required before detection.
Evaluation of fibrous by-product feeds for the pregnant sow using antibiotic suppression to measure degree of fermentation
Authors: Edwards S A , Njotu B A , Fowler V R 
Published: June 2019

The use of fibrous by products in diets for pregnant sows offers possible economic and welfare advantages. To correctly determine their nutritional value it is essential to know the relative roles of enzymatic digestion and fermentation. Techniques developed previously for this purpose have involved the use of surgically modified animals, making them costly and limiting their widespread use. This experiment was designed to investigate the possibility of using short term administration of bacteriostatic levels of antibiotics for this purpose.Twenty Landrace x Large White pregnant sows were individually housed in unbedded stalls and allocated to one of five dietary treatments with differing levels of the two fibrous by-products - distillers dark grains (DDG) or dried, unmolassed sugarbeet pulp (SBP)1)Basal diet (BAS) 850g/kg barley, 120g/kg soyabean meal,30g/kg vitamins and minerals2)70% diet BAS, 30% distillers dark grains (30DDG)3)40%diet BAS, 60% distillers dark grains (60DDG)4)70%diet BAS, 30% unmolassed sugar beet pulp (30SBP)5)40% diet BAS, 60% unmolassed sugarbeet pulp (60SBP)
The Influence of free fatty acid on the apparent metabolisable energy value of tallow fed to broiler chicks
Authors: Salvador F. , Wiseman J. 
Published: June 2019

Fats are important but variable energy-yielding ingredients in diets for broilers. One of the factors that may affect the dietary energy value of fats is the proportion of free fatty acids which, together with rate of inclusion of fat and the age of the bird, must be considered in fat evaluation. The current experiment was designed to investigate the effect of free fatty acid content of tallow on the apparent metabolisable energy values for broilers.Tallow and tallow acid oil (Table 1) were obtained for evaluation. Tallow (A) of free fatty acid content 138.4 g/kg was hydrolysed to produce a fat (E) of free fatty acid (FFA) content 952.1 g/kg. Fat A and B were blended in the proportions A75:B25, A50:B50 and A25:B75 giving fats of 341.5, 545.3 and 748.7 g/kg FFA respectively which were included at rates of 40 g/kg, 80 g/kg and 120 g/kg at the expense of the energy-yielding ingredients. The 16 experimental diets - basal (Table 2) together with 15 containing fats - were evaluated with Ross 1 broiler chicks of 1.5 weeks (5 replicates of cage of 2 birds) and 7.5 weeks of age (5 replicates of cage of 1 bird).
Analysis of individual differences in behavioural responsiveness in pigs
Authors: Terlouw C. , Lawrence A.B. , Illius A.W. 
Published: June 2019

Animals show considerable individual variation in many behaviour patterns such as feeding and mating behaviour. Often, this individual variability is ignored in favour of a more general description of the population. However, this may mask important information regarding the causes and functions of this individual variability. Behavioural work on other species has suggested that individuals tend to respond actively or passively to environmental challenge. It is of interest to know if a similar dimension of responsiveness exists in pigs as it may serve, amongst other things, to explain the considerable individual variability in pigs responses to putitive stresses such as tethered housing. This paper describes a series of tests made of behavioural responsiveness in pigs to assess the extent of consistent variability in individuals responses to a wide variety of environmental challenges.The subjects were two groups [Group A and B: n = 26 and 36 respectively) of modern hybrid non-pregnant gilts [Cotswold Pig Development Company Ltd, UK). Initially, the gilts were subjected to a number of tests of behavioural responsiveness at the Cotswold unit.
The effect of dietary Intake and litter size on the productivity of first-litter sows
Authors: Mullan B.P. , Close W.H. 
Published: June 2019

The partition of nutrients during lactation, In particular the extent to which body reserves are utilised to support milk production, is important in determining the reproductive performance of sows. For example, if the mobilisation of body reserves by young sows during lactation is excessive then the Interval between weaning and re-mating may be extended. The aim of this present experiment was to manipulate the use of body reserves by sows during their first lactation by altering both feed Intake and suckling intensity (litter size) in an attempt to investigate how the dynamics of nutrient metabolism during lactation may influence reproductive function.In a 2 X 2 factorial experiment, 28 Landrace x Large White gilts were fed a diet containing 12.5 MJ DE and 156 g CP per kg either to appetite (H) or 3.0 kg/day (L) with litter size adjusted to either 6 (6) or 12 (12) piglets at each feeding level for a 21-day lactation..
Ensiling grass and strain mixtures: effect of an enzyme additive and urea on chemical composition and nutritive value for sheep
Authors: Jakhmola R.C. , Weddell J.R. , Greenhalgh J.F.D. 
Published: June 2019

Straw mixed with grass before ensiling absorbs excess water and reduces effluent, but dilutes nutrients like crude protein and water soluble carbohydrates, and increases cell wall constituents of the mixture. Earlier studies by the authers showed that treating straw with urea before ensiling with grass increased the digestibility of grass+straw silages. A cellulase enzyme preparation had small but positive effects on fermentation and digestibility. The present paper describes the effect of treating straw with urea and a cellulase enzyme preparation on chemical composition and nutritive value of Silages.Shredded barley straw was treated with urea (60 kg/t of straw dry matter) and a cellulase enzyme preparation (FS01, Forum Feeds Finland; 2 1/t of straw), just before mixing with the precision chopped perennial ryegrass in the ratio of 40:60 on a DM basis, in a 2 X 2 factorial experiment. All the four premixes were ensiled in polythene silos ( 1 t capacity). Eight male sheep were fed four silages in a 4 X 4 latin square design. Each feeding period consisted of a 4-day adjustment period, a 10-day preliminary feeding period and a 7-day period for measurement of digestibility.
The effect of dietary sodium on the energetic efficiency of microbial yield from the rumen of sheep
Authors: Dewhurst R.J. , Webster A.J.F. 
Published: June 2019

It has long been recognised that there is a strong positive relationship between the level of absorbed (microbial) purines and purine derivative excretion in the urine. We have used estimates based on urinary allantoin N excretion (AN) to investigate some of the factors influencing the energetic efficiency of microbial yield from the rumen (E). Figures 1 and 2 illustrate the model that has been adopted.It has been tentatively assumed that, at reasonable levels of intake, exogenous purine supply exceeds “a” moles (Figure 2) so that purine salvage is saturated (Condon & Hatfield, 1970), de novo synthesis inoperant (Condon, Hall & Hatfield, 1970) and the net endogenous contribution to AN negligible. In these circumstances AN will be linearly related to microbial (purine) yield from the rumen.
Effect of ammonia treatment and supplementation on barley straw intake by sheep
Authors: Fondevila M. , Castrillo C. , Gasa J. , Guada J.A. 
Published: June 2019

Twenty-eight lamb ewes (44 + 0.45 kg live weight) were used to study the effect of type and level of supplementation on voluntary intake of barley straw, treated with 30 g/kg of anhydrous ammonia (TS) or untreated (US) but given with urea to ensure the same nitrogen content as TS (18 g/kg DM). Each type of straw was offered ad libitum, supplemented with grass hay, rolled barley and sugar beet pulp at rates of 150, 300, 4 50 and 600 g/d, in 6 Latin Squares (4 x 4). In addition, another 2 sheep received each straw alone during the same periods. Supplements were totally consumed, except hay, which was refused in 10 - 13 and 28 - 34 per cent for US and TS, respectively.Daily dry matter intake (DMI) of US (OMD = 0.423) and TS (OMD = 0.515) offer as sole feed were 511 ± 29.1 and 858 ± 45.2 g. As show TABLE 1, US was consumed at rates of 527, 576 and 568 g DM when supplemented with 150 g of hay, barley and sugar beet pulp, and no significant differences were found with further levels of supplementation. DMI of TS decreased linearly from 850 to 618 g/d (r = 0.75) and from 717 to 518 g/d (r = 0.63) when the level of barley and sugar beet pulp increased from 150 to 600 g/d. Substitution rates were estimated to be 0.31 and 0.27 for barley and sugar beet pulp, respectively. Decrease in TS intake when supplemented since 150 to 600 g/d of hay (720 to 605 g, respectively) were found not significative.
Long-term patterns of food selection in sheep growing towards maturity
Authors: Hou X.Z. , Anderson D.H. , Illius A.W. , Emmans G.C. , Oldham J D 
Published: June 2019

Previous work at the Edinburgh School of Agriculture has suggested that sheep, like pigs, can select amongst foods which differ in protein:energy content according to their protein needs. The proportion of high protein feed which was selected by young sheep gradually diminished as the animals grew towards maturity over a period of measurement of 10 weeks (Cropper, 1988). The experiment reported here was designed to test this idea further by allowing sheep, initially differing in age and weight, to select between a high and low protein food (both available ad libitum) throughout their growth to a stable mature weight and body composition.Two pelletted feeds were formulated and prepared which differed in protein concentration but with similar calculated energy (metabolisable energy, ME) (Table 1) concentration and abundant in minerals and vitamins. Seven sheep (Suffolk x Greyface wethers) aged 3 months (n = 3), 18 months (n = 2), and 30 months (n = 2) at the start of the experiment were individually penned and given experience of each of the two feeds individually before having ad libitum access to both. Tap water was freely available from a bucket. Voluntary consumption of each feed was recorded daily by weighing and drying refusals. The sheep were weighed weekly and scanned using a Vetscan ultrasonic scanner to estimate fat and muscle depths at the 13th rib on days 126, 225, 336, 436 and 539.
Plasma B-endorphin and Cortisol concentrations in lambs after handling, transport and slaughter
Authors: Fordham D.P. , Rodway R.G. , Lincoln G.A. , Ssewannyana K. 
Published: June 2019

There is considerable interest at present in reducing the amount of stress imposed upon farm animals. However, before this objective can be achieved it is first necessary to obtain some measurement of the stress response of the animal. Changes in plasma hormone and metabolite concentrations have been used in the past as Indicators of stress. Plasma cortisol concentrations increase after stress in all species studied. For example, after transport in calves (Kent and Ewbank, 1986), after tethering in pigs (Barnett, Winfield, Cronin, Hemsworth and Dewar, 1985) and after electrical stunning in sheep (Pearson, Kilgour, de Langen and Payne, 1977). In a recent study in the sheep B-endorphin and cortisol were released together in response to shearing and electroimmobilisation (Jephcott, McMillen, Rushen and Thorburn, 1987).The aim of the present study was to examine the release of B-endorphin and cortisol in lambs after routine stressful stimuli such as handling, transport and slaughter at a commercial abattoir.
The effect of repeated handling on the stress response of sheep to handling
Authors: Hargreaves A.L. , Hutson G.D. 
Published: June 2019

The stimuli which are most potent in eliciting a stress response to handling are often part of the management procedure itself (eg wool removal during shearing). If sheep handling is to be made less stressful, then alternative methods may have to be found which do not interfere with the procedure. Such alternatives may involve altering either the context in which sheep undergo handling procedures, or their experience of handling. This study tested whether repetition could modify the physiological response of sheep to handling.Twenty three-year-old Merino wethers were sham shorn four times at intervals of two weeks. Sham shearing involves the noise and physical manipulations of shearing, but no wool is removed, allowing the procedure to be repeated. Two blood samples were collected via jugular catheters before sham shearing and eight were taken over the following eighty minutes. There were significant increases in haematocrit and plasma Cortisol after each exposure (p < 0.05). The Cortisol response to sham shearing was reduced by the previous experiences of the procedure (p < 0.05). This was manifested more in a diminution of the basal concentrations (23.34 ± 5.26 ng/ ml to 9.84 ± 5.50 ng/ml; n = 19) rather than a decline of the peak response (63.29 ± 5.50 ng/ml to 56.54 ± 7.25 ng/ml). There was no difference between the first and fourth exposures in the overall haematocrit response or in maximum haematocrit (33.3 ± 0.7% and 31.34 ± 0.9%; n = 17), however basal haematocrit was lower (p < 0.05) after the fourth exposure than it was after the first (23.6 ± 0.6% and 26.22 ± 0.8%) respectively.
Effect of level of food intake on hypothalamo-pituitary sensitivity to ovarian Steroid feedback in ewes
Authors: Rhind S.M. , McMillen S. , McKelvey W.A.C. 
Published: June 2019

Effects of level of food intake and body condition on ewe hormone status, ovulation rate and reproductive performance may be mediated either through a direct effect on hypothalamic or pituitary activity or through an indirect effect on the sensitivity of either or both of these organs to steroid feedback. The aim of this experiment was to determine the effect of level of food intake of ewes on hypothalamic activity and pituitary responsiveness to gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) in the presence of ovarian steroids. Sensitivity to steroid feedback cannot be measured in an entire animal, owing to the variable and irregular nature of ovarian steroid secretion. Ovariectomised ewes were therefore used together with steroid replacement therapy.Two groups of 16 ewes were fed to achieve body condition scores of either 2.00 or 2.25/2.50 by 3 weeks before the period of study. Thereafter, ewes of the lower condition score were fed dried grass pellets ad libitum and 250 g hay/head/day (H) while those of the higher condition score were fed 1050 g pellets and 250 g hay/head/day (M), a ration designed to maintain liveweight and condition score so that at the time of study, ewes of the two groups had a similar level of body condition but different levels of intake.
Intake of straw, alkali-treated straw and hay by Saanen goats in mid lactation
Authors: Sibanda L M , Mkumbo G , Sutton J D , Owen E 
Published: June 2019

In the Uk there is a growing interest in the rearing of goats as an integral enterprise of the farming system. If feed costs are to be kept to a minimum, maximum utilization of cereal residues is imperative. Alkali treatment is a cheap and effective method of improving intake of straw and animal performance in cattle and sheep but very little is known about its value for lactating goats. The objective of the present study was to compare barley straw, alkali-treated straw (TS) and grass hay as forages for goats in mid lactation.Twenty-two multi-parous British Saanen goats in their sixth month of lactation were allocated on liveweight basis to each of the three forages which were individually fed ad libitum through Calan gates. The Panda barley straw was treated in a solution containing 15g sodium hydroxide and 7g urea per litre, using the dip method for whole bales. The grass hay was chopped. Each goat was offered 350g dairy concentrate at both morning and afternoon milkings (700g concentrate/day). Forage intake and milk yield were recorded daily. Milk samples were taken weekly at two successive milkings and the goats were weighed twice weekly during the 4 weeks of data collection after 4 weeks of adaptation.
Effect of NaOH dip-treatment on intake, digestibility and selection of previously-refused straw by goats
Authors: Alimon A. R. , Owen E. , Hosking B. J. , Rios G. 
Published: June 2019

Wahed and Owen (1986) showed that increasing the amount of straw offered to allow refusal rates of 50% instead of the conventional 20% increased straw dry matter/digestible organic matter intake by 40%. Feeding generously to allow selective feeding was suggested as an alternative to alkali treatment of straw. Such a feeding strategy would be useful to farmers in developing countries where the cost of alkali treatment of straw is high. However the strategy generates large amounts of refusals. Unless refused straw can be utilised for other purposes, feeding at such generous levels will not be acceptable. This study was carried out to establish whether refused straw, if treated with alkali, can be re-fed to goats.Twelve Saanen-type castrated goats aged 18-24 months were used in a change-over design experiment. Goats were housed in individual metabolism crates and fed one of the following:1.Untreated barley straw (S) offered in quantities to allow goats to refuse 50% of the amount offered.2.Untreated previously-refused-straw (RS) offered in quantities to allow refusal of 25% of the amount offered.3.NaOH dip-treated previously-refused-straw (DRS) offered in quantities to allow refusal of 25% of the amount offered.