bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The evaluation of draff (malt distillers grains) as a concentrate replacer for dairy cows
Authors: McKendrick Elizabeth J , Roberts D J 
Published: June 2019

The investigation was designed to examine the use of draff ensiled with molassed sugar beet nuts (MSBN) as a concentrate replacer in silage based diets for dairy cows.Twenty four British Friesian cows in early lactation were used in a changeover design experiment consisting of 3 x 3 week periods. The cows were allocated to the treatments listed below in such a way that one cow from each of the 12 pairs was allocated to proprietary concentrate treatments and the other to draff treatments for the duration of the experiment.
Adipocyte Beta-Adrenoceptor numbers in growing pigs of different genotypes
Authors: Taylor J.A. , Salter D.N. , Montgomery A.I. , Seve B. 
Published: June 2019

Catecholamines are the major lipolytic agents in fat cells and are mediated primarily by beta-adrenergic receptors. The present experiment was designed to study p-receptor numbers in growing pigs of various genotypes in relation to their body compositions.Fat samples from 5 representative pigs of each genotype were removed immediately after slaughter, at about 60 kg body weight, and stored at -80°C prior to analysis. Adipocytes were extracted by incubation with 1 mg/g (w/v) collagenase in a tris/MgCl2/ EDTA/Bovine serum albumin buffer (pH 7.4) for 1 hour at 37°C. Cells were mechanically ruptured and membranes were removed by ultracentrifugatlon (37,000 rpm for 20 minutes). Recovery was estimated by protein assay using the method of Lowry (1951). Approximately 20 μg of adipocyte membrane protein in 300 μl tris/MgCl2/EDTA assay buffer was added to graded concentrations of the125I-labelled β-antagonist Iodocyanopindolol (100 μl) together with 100 μl of either assay buffer or the non-specific β-antagonist propanolol (to determine non-specific binding). Samples were then incubated for 1 hour at 37°C. Total β-receptor numbers (maximum binding - Bmax) expressed as pmol/g protein, were estimated by Scatchard analysis using the computer programme ‘EBDA’ by Elsevier - BIOSOFT, Cambridge.
Effect on silage intake and milk production of incorporating maize silage in dairy cow rations based on grass silage of either average or high energy concentration
Authors: Weller R F , Rook A J , Phipps R H 
Published: June 2019

Following the introduction of milk quota many farmers attempted to place greater reliance on home grown forage as a means of decreasing concentrate inputs and thus reducing input costs. As a high energy forage, maize silage should have the potential to increase forage intake and influence milk yield and quality. The objective of the current trial was to examine the effect on forage intake and milk production of incorporating maize silage into rations based on grass silage with average or high energy concentration.Sixty-three multiparous and 28 primiparous Friesian cows were used in a trial lasting 20 weeks. Following a two week covariate period cows were allocated to treatment. Treatments were based on forage mixtures of maize silage and grass silage of either average (A) or high (H) energy value in which maize formed 0, 25, SO or 75% of the forage mixture DM.
Preliminary observations on the production and quality of whole crop wheat
Authors: Phipps R H , Weller R F , Clark H , Reeve A 
Published: June 2019

During the last few years there has been increasing interest in the potential role of alternative forages in dairy cow rations based on grass silage. In this context, whole crop cereals, particularly wheat (WCW) treated with urea (40 g/kg DM), have more recently received considerable attention within the farming community. This is in spite of the fact that research experience of the potential of whole crop wheat as a forage component for dairy cow rations is limited.In order to provide general background information on the practical application of this approach, eight farms were surveyed on wheat crop husbandry, harvesting and preservation. Nutritional quality of the resultant forages was also assessed. Additional observations on crop losses during harvesting and feeding were undertaken at the Bernard Weitz Centre.
Influence of crop stage of growth on aerobic-stability and chemical profile of enzyme-treated whole-crop wheat silage
Authors: Adogla-Bessa T. , Owen E. , Tetlow R.M , Baker R.D. 
Published: June 2019

Doubts have been expressed about the aerobic stability of whole-crop cereal silages. Urea and ammonia additives have proved effective in controlling aerobic deterioration (Deschard et al., 1988). The aim was to evaluate the effects of two commercially-produced (Finnish Sugar Co. Ltd., Helsinki) cellulase and hemicellulase mixtures (Clampzyme [CLZ] and Deezyme [DEZ]) on fermentation and aerobic stability of winter-sown wheat (cv Brock), harvested at four stages of growth.The experiment was of 4 x 2 x 4 x 2 factorial design. The crop was direct-cut harvested (precision chopped) and ensiled for 150 days in mini-silos (polypropylene sack enclosed in polyethene sack; 5.0 kg dry matter (DM) of crop; plastic-strip seals). Harvesting was at 4 moisture-content (g DM/kg) stages of growth: cut 1, 300 (heading); cut 2, 400 (mealy); cut 3, 500 (soft/medium dough); cut 4, 650 (hard dough). Enzymes were applied at 4 levels: 0, 0.3, 0.7 and 1.0 1/tonne (t) DM for CLZ and 0, 1.0, 1.3 and 1.7 1/t DM for DEZ. Silos were either evacuated and sealed immediately (IMM) or sealed after 24 h (DEL).
Effect of stage of growth and urea addition on the preservation and nutritive value of whole crop wheat
Authors: Hill J. , Leaver J.D. 
Published: June 2019

Whole crop wheat (WCW) is a relatively new crop as a feed for dairy cows, and little information is available on its dry matter yield and nutritive value relative to stage of growth at harvest. Also, the role of urea (which hydrolyses to ammonia in the crop) addition in reducing fermentation and aerobic spoilage losses has not been investigated.The aim of this experiment was to examine three stages of growth at harvest for WCW, with and without urea.An area of winter wheat (cv Fortress) was cut (5 cm above ground) at three growth stages (GS 49, 71 and 87). The resultant forages were chopped through a precision-chop harvester and stored in air-tight barrels of 0.225 m3 capacity. Urea was added at 0 and 40 g/kgDM at each stage of growth and there were three replicates of each treatment. Thermocouples placed centrally were used to monitor temperature changes. The mini silos held approximately 100 kg of forages and they were opened after 90 days. Vertical cores were taken as samples and the mini silos were left open for a further 18 days to assess aerobic deterioration.
Feeding sorghum stover to ethiopian sheep: effect of chopping and amount offered on growth, intake and selection
Authors: Osafo E L K , Owen E , Aboud A A O , Said A N , Gill E M , McAllan A 
Published: June 2019

Aboud et al (1990) found that intake and selectivity of sorghum stover by Ethiopian sheep increased as the ad 1ibitum amounts offered (g/kg mass[M].day[d]) were increased from 25 to 50 and 75; the largest improvement in intake occurred with increasing the amount offered from 25 to 50 g/kg M.d. In the study by Aboud et al (1990), the stover offered was in chopped form. The present study investigated the effect of chopping per se, with stover offered at 25 or 50 g/kg M.d.Following hand-harvesting of sorghum grain (non bird-resistant variety Dinkamash) in mid-November 1989, the stover (straw) was hand-cut from the field in mid-January 1990 and stored indoors until feeding in May. Forty eight Menz Highland rams of 17.2 kg initial M and ca.15 months of age were fed 113 g dry matter [DM]/ram.d of cottonseed cake and ad libitum sorghum stover over 56 d; salt licks were also provided.
Assessment of the nutritive value of colombian ricepolishings for ruminants by in vitro and in vivo techniques
Authors: Cardenas Garcia D , Galbraith H , Topps J H 
Published: June 2019

Ricepolishings produced in the final milling process of white rice production, are a potentially useful and readily available, but underused by-product in Colombia. There is a considerable interest in assessing their value as a feed supplement for ruminant animals. The aim of this study was to assess their nutritive value by the use of chemical analysis, the in vitro menke gas test and in sacco dacron bag techniques.Duplicate samples of Colombian ricepolishings (CRP) were analysed for proximate constituents and to determine the concentrations of fatty acids and amino acids in the fat and protein respectively.In the menke gas test, dietary preparations containing either CRP or a mixture (0.41 and 0.59 of dried grass and medium quality hay respectively) DGH, were studied in the following ratios: 1.0 CRP: 0.0 DGH (A); 0.80 CRP: 0.2 DGH(B); 0.6 CRP: 0.4 DGH (C); 0.4 CRP: 0.6 DGH (D) 0.2 CRP: 0.80 DGH (E) and 0.0 CRP: 1.0 DGH (F).
Estimation of genetic parameters for temperament and ease of milking assessed on a linear scale in friesian holstein heifers
Authors: Bellamy H J , Swanson G J T 
Published: June 2019

Following the introduction of the linear assessment method of evaluating conformation within the Dairy Progeny Testing Scheme run by the Artificial Insemination Organisation (now Genus) of the Milk Marketing Board in 1983 three new traits were included in 1985 and 1986. The new traits were Temperament, Ease of Milking and Fore Udder Angle. In addition information was collected on the number of hours since milked when the classification was carried out.The objective of this study was to establish whether the variation in linear scores was significantly affected by the number of hours since milked and also to estimate the phenotypic and genetic parameters for the new trails, in particular Temperament and Ease of Milking.
An evaluation of in-vitro fertilised (IVF) beef embryos
Authors: Stewart M. , Broadbent P.J. , Dolman D.F. , McMillan D 
Published: June 2019

A pilot study has been carried out in North East Scotland by the Scottish Agricultural College (SAC) Aberdeen, Buchan Meat and Animal Biotechnology Cambridge (ABC), transferring in-vitro fertilised (IVF) bovine embryos to cattle in commercial diary and suckler herds. The pilot study was undertaken with the co-operation of veterinary practices in the area.The embryos were produced entirely in-vitro, using ovaries removed from beef heifers post slaughter as a source of oocytes. The heifers were selected pre and post slaughter for breed, health, conformation and fatness. The oocytes were allowed to mature for 24 hours and then fertilised using frozen/thawed semen from top quality beef bulls. These sires were selected for breed, ease of calving, conformation, growth and ability to fertilise in-vitro. Forty-eight hours after insemination the developing embryos were transferred to a co-culture system. After 4 to 5 days of culture the embryos had developed to the morula/blastocyst stage, and were ready for transfer. The recipients’ oestrus cycles were synchronised using a combined PRID and prostaglandin programme. The PRID was inserted on day 1 of the programme and withdrawn on day 9 or day 10 of the programme.
The effect of treatment with a gonadotrophin releasing hormone on the fertility of dairy cows
Authors: Drew S.B. , Peters A.R. 
Published: June 2019

Work in New Zealand has suggested that treatment of dairy cows with buserelin an analogue of GnRH between days 11 and 13 after insemination can increase pregnancy rate by reducing embryo loss (MacMillan, Taufa and Day, 1986). This effect is probably mediated via a luteoprotective mechanism (MacMillan, Thatcher & Drost 1989; Thatcher, MacMillan, Hansen & Drost, 1989). The present study was carried out to attempt to confirm this effect of buserelin under UK conditions.A total of 660 Holstein/Friesian cows on 10 commercial dairy farms were used. The cows were paired according to date, of previous calving and allocated at random to control or treated group on the day of service. Only cows in the parity range 1-5 with no obvious reproductive disorders were used. Bulls and inseminators were used on the same number of cows in each group. Milk samples were taken on the day of service for progesterone assay. Cows not in oestrus were removed from the study. Cows in treated groups were given an intramuscular injection of 10 ug buserelin [2.5 ml Receptal, Hoechst] 12 days after first insemination. Cows not observed to return to oestrus before Day 24 were re-sampled for progesterone assay. Pregnancy was confirned by palpation or ultrasonic scanning at six weeks.
Milk protein precursors in lactating goats
Authors: Bequette B J. , Backwell C. , Lobley G.E. , MacRae J.C. 
Published: June 2019

With the failure of current nutritional schemes for dairy ruminants to predict yields of milk and milk components, and perceptions of milk's nutritional value following recommendations to reduce dietary fat intake, an integrated approach to feeding and metabolism needs to be developed. Such a system must therefore be ‘metabolite’ based.An ability to predict changes in milk constituent output in response to alterations in nutrition requires, in the first instance, the identification of specific precursors for milk component synthesis in the lactating mammary gland. Arteriovenous differences across the mammary gland indicate that blood free amino acids (AA) are either taken-up by the gland in excess, equal to, or in insufficient amounts compared to their output in milk (1). Isotope labelling experiments have indicated that, in addition to AA free in blood, the mammary gland utilises a substantial amount of AA derived from constitutive mammary gland protein breakdown (2). The present experiment was designed to investigate the AA precursors and kinetics of milk protein synthesis and to confirm and extend the latter observations.
Prospects for the molecular genetic manipulation of livestock
Authors: Wilmut Ian 
Published: June 2019

Molecular genetic manipulation can now be used to produce pharmaceutical proteins in the milk of farm animals. In the longer term this technology will be used to modify aspects of animal production, but it is not clear how many manipulations will be useful nor when such applications will become practicable. Improvements are required in all four aspects of an effective scheme for either gene transfer or targeting: it must be possible 1). to make the change, 2). to regulate expression of the gene in the desired manner, 3). to identify genes that are able to have a significant effect and 4). to disseminate the change into the target population.There is only one method that has been used to transfer a gene in livestock and this depends upon injection of a few hundred copies of the gene into a nucleus in the early embryo. It is believed that integration occurs because the act of injecting fluid causes breakages in chromosomes and that the repair mechanisms sometimes include injected DNA. There are serious implications.
Effect of malt distillers wet grains on lamb finishing and carcass lipid composition
Authors: Vipond J E , Lewis M , FitzSimons J , Noble R C , Horgan G 
Published: June 2019

The Scotch whisky industry produces 220,000 tonnes/annum of malt distillers wet grains or draff (D) used mainly as a component of cattle diets, its use in lamb finishing diets has not been widely investigated. Owing to the high level of unsaturated fat in draff there exists a possibility that unsaturated fatty acids may escape rumen biohydrogeneration and have effects on tissue fatty acid composition with important implications for human health.The purpose of this experiment was to determine the optimum level of supplementary barley to feed with ad libitum draff by comparing diets based on ad lib mineralised draff (D), ad lib draff + 0.3 kg/day barley (DB1) and ad lib draff + 0.6 kg/day barley (DB2). The effect of replacing concentrates in a silage based diet with draff was examined by comparing a diet of ad lib silage + 0.6 kg/day compound (SC) with ad lib silage + 2.1 kg/day draff (0.57 kg dry matter) (SD).
Correlated responses in slaughter and carcass traits of crossbred progeny to selection for carcass
lean content in sheep
Authors: Cameron N.D. 
Published: June 2019

A divergent selection experiment in a terminal sire breed of sheep was started in 1985 to examine the differences between genetically lean and fat animals, which were derived from the same population. Responses in performance and physiological traits measured on the selection lines were reported at the BSAP 1991 Winter Meeting. Responses In slaughter and carcass traits, measured on crossbred progeny of the terminal sires, are presented in this study.The ram selection index was -0.995 FATD + 0.206 WT20, where FATD and WT20 are the ultrasonic backfat depth and liveweight at 20 weeks of age, with both traits standardised to have zero mean and unit phenotyplc variance. A total of 32 and 34 rams from the high (lean) and low (fat) selection lines were performance tested in 1988, and 11 rams were selected from the high line and 12 rams from the low line for mating to crossbred ewes for the progeny test, with a selection differential of 0.85 Index units. There were 8 and 11 rams from the high and low lines with progeny slaughtered at fixed weight, such that the selection differential was 1.0 Index units. A total of 329 crossbred lambs were slaughtered at 16 weeks of age and 250 lambs were slaughtered at fixed weight, 39±1 kg for castrates and 37±1 kg for ewe lambs.
An examination of the effect of type of concentrate and method of concentrate feeding on the milk production of british friesian dairy cows offered grass silage based diets
Authors: Agnew K W , Mayne C S 
Published: June 2019

In a previous study at this Institute, significant increases in total dry matter intake were obtained with first lactation animals offered grass silage and concentrates as a complete diet rather than in separate feeds. However, the increased DM intake associated with complete diet feeding was not reflected in improved animal performance. Similar results have also been reported by Phipps, Bines, Fulford and Weller (1984) and Cassel, Merrill, Milligan and Guest (1984).The aim of this experiment was to investigate the effect on animal performance of offering two types of concentrate in addition to grass silage, with concentrates offered either as a complete diet or in three feeds per day.
The Effect of Protein Content of the Supplement on Milk Production of Dairy Cattle offered Low and High Digestibility Grass Silage Ad Libitum
Authors: Mayne C S 
Published: June 2019

Previous studies at this Institute have shown a marked interaction between level of supplementary feeding and protein content in the supplement with dairy cows offered high quality grass silage-based diets. For example, a given milk yield or yield of milk constituents can be obtained by offering supplements of high crude protein (CP) content, eg 340 g CP/kg fresh weight, at much lower levels than would be required with conventional supplements with a CP content of 180 g/kg fresh weight. The aim of the present study was to quantify if. the interrelationships established with high digestibility silages also applied with lower digestibility silage.The experiment was carried out with 60 autumn-calving British Friesian dairy cows. Twenty eight animals were offered early cut silage (E), harvested between 17-19 May, with the remaining thirty two animals offered late cut silage (L) harvested between 2-12 June. Both E and L silages were produced from the same swards and in both cases grass was direct harvested and treated with an inoculant of Lactobacillus plantarum, at the rate of 3.0 litres/t fresh herbage.
Increased ovulation and twin-calving rates in heifers immunized against bovine inhibin peptides
Authors: Morris D.G. , Diskin M.G. , Sreenan J.M. 
Published: June 2019

Inhibin is a dimeric protein hormone composed of two dissimilar, disulphide-linked subunits (termed α and β) involved in the negative feedback regulation of gonadotrophin secretion, preferentially FSH. Interfering with this negative feedback by active immunization against inhibin has resulted in a consistent increase in ovulation rate and litter size in sheep. However, similar results have not been achieved in cattle. This paper describes the effect of active immunization of heifers against either of 3 synthetic peptide sequences from the bovine inhibin α-subunit on inhibin antibody titres, ovulation rate, calving rate and twin-calving rate.Three peptide sequences from the bovine inhibin a-subunit were identified as likely immunological epitopes by computer analysis. These peptides (P1: bl-α-[YG] (18-30); P2: bl-α-(63-72)[GY]; P3: bl-α-[CG](107-122) were synthesized by solid phase methods and tyrosyl or cystenyl residues, linked through a glycine spacer where appropriate, were added during synthesis in order to facilitate iodination and conjugation respectively.
Active immunization of young male calves and post pubertal bulls against lhrh with various conjugate doses
Authors: Carson A.F. , McCaughey W.J. , Steen R.W.J. 
Published: June 2019

In comparison to steers bulls slaughtered at the same age have produced 14% more carcase gain and 20% more lean meat. Immunological castration which is reversible may reduce aggressive behaviour and maintain the performance advantages of bulls. Active immunization against luteinising hormone releasing hormone (LHRH) reduces LH and testosterone production and, therefore, aggression in bulls (Robertson et al. 1982). However, a controlled predictable response to vaccination has not been achieved. This may be due to suboptimal choice of a number of variables in the vaccination programme. This study investigated the effect of conjugate dose and age of the animal on the anti-LHRH antibody response in bulls.Synthetic LHRH (UCB Bioproducts) was conjugated to keyhole limpet haemocyanin (KLH) (Sigma Chemical Company) using a modification of the novel carbodiimide method reported by Deen et al. (1990). New batches of conjugate were prepared for each vaccination. The efficiency of incorporation of radiolabelled LHRH varied between 40 and 45%.
The effect of pheromones from cows in oestrus on the duration of the post-partum anoestrous period in beef cows
Authors: Wright I.A. , Rhind S.M. , Smith A.J. , Whyte T.K. 
Published: June 2019

The term pheromone is used to describe a substance that is produced by an animal and creates a response in other Individuals of the same species.Reproduction in females can be affected by pheromones from other females in a number of mammals. This can invoke a degree of synchrony of oestrous cycles in for example the hamster (Handelmann et al, 1980) and the human (McClintock, 1971). Izard and Vandenberg (1983) demonstrated that in heifers which had their oestrous cycles synchronised using exogenous prostaglandin the degree of synchrony was enhanced when they were exposed to cervical mucus from cows in oestrus. They suggested that cervical mucus from cows in oestrus contains a pheromone which can enhance the degree of synchrony of oestrus in heifers.
The effect of genotype on fibre production in cashmere goats
Authors: Gallagher M , Waterhouse A 
Published: June 2019

Commercial cashmere production in the UK is at an embryonic stage. Native feral goats (F) have been crossed with imported stock from Iceland (I), Australasia (A) and Siberia (S) to improve fibre production. At present there is little published data on the amounts and quality of fibre produced from these genotypes and their crosses.The objective of this study was to establish the extent of the variation in fibre production characteristics, namely fleece weight, yield and down production between the above genotypes and also to estimate the likely improvements made from crossing these pure bred genotypes.