bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Ewe performance, colostrum yield and serum progesterone concentration of single, twin and triplet bearing ewes fed silage
Authors: Crosby T. F. , O'Doherty J. V. 
Published: June 2019

There are conflicting data in the literature on the effects of litter size on colostrum production. Shubber et al.,(1979a) reported highest colostrum production in triplet bearing ewes compared with ewes carrying singles or twins. Other researchers (Hall et al.,1989; Shubber et al.,1979b) agree that ewes producing twins yield most colostrum. Hall et al., (1989) also reported that progesterone concentrations before and after parturition increased with litter size and Hartmann et al.,(1973) found that progesterone withdrawl is a prerequisite for lactogenesis and the onset of copious milk secretion. The objective of this experiment was to evaluate the performance of single, twin and triplet bearing ewes in relation to ewe performance, progesterone concentration, quantity and quality of colostrum.Single (Tl, n=35), twin (T2, n=25) and triplet (T3, n=29) bearing oestrous synchronised ewes of mixed lowland breeds (mainly Suffolk cross, greyface and halfbred), were selected following winter shearing and pregnancy scanning in December.
Prediction of digestibility and intake of sheep fed different quality hays from the kinetics of gas production or dry matter degradation
Authors: Dentinho M.T. , Khazaal K. , Ribeiro J.M. , Ørskov E.R. 
Published: June 2019

Without chemical analysis, Blummel and Ørskov (1992) adapted the in vitro gas test (Menke and Steingass, 1988) and used the exponential equation p=a+b (l-e-ct) to describe the kinetics of fermentation of 10 straws. They reported high correlation with animal performance. The aim of the present study was to adopt a similar approach and assess the gas test in comparison with nylon bag for the prediction of intake or DM digestibility of 10 different quality hays.Ten hays consisting of 3 harvesting stages of lucerne (Medicago sativa), sweet clover (Melilotus segetalis), persian clover (Trifolium resupinatum) and Italian rye-grass (Lolium multiflorum). Each hay was fed ad libitum to 4 Merino male sheep and their intake (g dry matter (DM)/day/KgW0.75) and in vivo DMD were recorded.
The effect of level of milk intake and protein content in the post-weaning diet on internal fat distribution of lambs
Authors: Manso T. , Mantecón A.R. , Chaso M.A. , Lavin P. , Castro T. 
Published: June 2019

The effect of food restriction and subsequent realimentation depends on age of animals at restriction and energy/protein relationship during post-restriction period (Ryan, 1990). In Spanish Churra breed the internal fat depots are the most important energy reserves (Frutos et al., 1991) and the proportion of different depots after restriction could be affect to recovery during realimentation.The aim of this paper is to study the effect of level of intake during milk-fed period and the protein content in the diet during the post-weaning period on the performance and different internal fat depots in the Churra lambs until they were 20 Kg of live weigth (LW).
The effect of the reproductive state and concentrate supplementation on ruminal outflow rates of digesta in ewes
Authors: Pérez J. F. , Gasa J. , Castrillo C. , Rubio C. , Guada J. A. 
Published: June 2019

Utilization of low quality roughage is fundamentally limited by its low energy content and low voluntary intake when fed to the ruminant animal; these being mainly determined by the simultaneous action of degradation in and outflow rates through the reticulum-rumen. While factors affecting rumen degradation rate are extensively described in bibliography, those related with rumen digesta outflow are not clear enough.The objective of this study was to study the effect of the reproductive state and the level of concentrate supplementation upon ruminal outflow rates of digesta in ewes fed on straw based diets.
The selection of winter wheat varieties for whole-crop cereal conservation
Authors: Weller R.F. , Cooper A. , Phipps R.H. 
Published: June 2019

Interest in conserving whole-crop cereals as a complementary forage for feeding with grass silage has increased sharply in recent years. In many areas of the UK conserving whole-crop cereals is a viable alternative to forage maize, providing extra forage when the available stocks of grass silage are either low or of moderate quality. Although winter wheat is the main cereal used for forage conservation little information is available on the differences between varieties in either yield or quality.The aims of the present trial were to determine the changes in the yield and quality of winter wheat varieties harvested at different stages of maturity.
The Composition and Energy value of Big Bale Grass Silages
Authors: Givens D.I. , Moss Angela R. , Deaville E.R. 
Published: June 2019

In recent years the quantity of grass silage as big bales has increased substantially, both in the UK and elsewhere. Eyers (1989) reported that about 16% of the grass silage dry matter (DM) conserved in England and Wales was in the form of big bales.Whilst there is now considerable information on the composition, nutritive value and laboratory procedures for predicting the digestibility and energy value of clamp silage, there are few comparable data for big bale silages. The objectives of the present work were to examine the composition, digestibility and energy value of a population of big bale silages and to compare relationships between laboratory measurements and digestibility in vivo with those derived earlier for clamp silages (Givens et al., 1989).
The effect of feeding diets based on grass silage or wheat to pregnant housed ewes on ewe and lamb performance
Authors: Johnson P N 
Published: June 2019

Feeding pregnant ewes on silage-based rations during housing is widely practised. However, silage making is a capital intensive procedure and the cost is likely to increase due to pollution legislation. Feeding ewes on a cereal-based ration may be a cost effective alternative. This is especially relevant due to the ban on straw burning and the possibility of CAP reform forcing cereal prices down. This experiment compares the effect of silage- and wheat-based rations during the winter housing period on ewe and lamb performance.Approximately 260 mule (Bluefaced Leicester x Swaledale) ewes were selected from the breeding flock at the time of winter housing in January 1989, 1990 and 1991. They had previously been at grass and had run with Suffolk rams between mid-October and mid-December.
The effect of complementary supplements on grass silage intake
Authors: Moseley G. 
Published: June 2019

Grass silage provides more than 80% of winter forage for livestock but, despite significant advances in ensilage methods, there remain significant problems of low intake, poor nutrient utilization and high effluent losses. The use of complementary concentrate supplements formulated to match silage composition, and the addition of absorbent feed compounds to grass during ensilage were examined as a means of addressing these problems.Two contrasting silages were made from the same grass crop, either by applying Add Safe (3.51/T) or by adding an absorbent silage enhancing feed compound (kg/T) during ensilage. These were fed to groups of wether sheep either alone or with a complementary supplement and dry matter intake, digestibility and nutrient balances were estimated.
The effect of drying method on the degradation characteristics of grass silage
Authors: Chamberlain A T , Endalew F 
Published: June 2019

The metabolisable protein system (AFRC, 1992) requires the measurement of the dynamics of the degradation of protein in the rumen. However many drying techniques used during sample preparation cause protein damage and denaturation which may affect the subsequent assessment. The objective of this work was to compare the dry matter and nitrogen degradation profiles of samples of grass silage dried using a range of techniques.One kilogram samples of first cut grass (Lolium perenne) silage (156 g CP/kg DM) were air dried (AD), freeze dried (FD), dried at 50 (OD50) or 100°C (OD100) in a still air oven or dried in a microwave oven (MD) on the ‘defrost’ setting. In sacco degradability was assessed in fistulated yearling wether sheep, using a 5x5 Latin square and incubation times of 3,6,12,24 and 48 hours. Bags size was nn x nn cm with a sample size of 3 g. Bags were rinsed and frozen upon removal, mechanically washed and dried at 60°C before analysis. Dry matter and nitrogen disappearance data for each sheep was fitted to the model y = a + b(1-e-ct) using non-linear regression.
Effect of Sward Height on Rumen Degradation in Merino Grazing Sheep
Authors: Mantecón A.R. , Carro M.D. , Giráldez F.J. , Ranilla M.J. , Revesado P.R. , González J.S. 
Published: June 2019

It is now well established that the height of the sward grazed by sheep has a large effect on their performance (Hodgson, Mackie and Parker, 1986). However, there is a scarce of information about the rumen fermentation in sheep grazing at different sward heights. The aim of this experiment was to study the effect of sward height (4 vs 6 cm) on the rumen fermentation in Merino sheep which were continuously maintained on the pasture.The study was carried out on a continuously stocked pasture in August 1992. Twenty mature Merino sheep were used to obtain two different sward heights: 4 cm (low; LSH) and 6 cm (high; HSH). Sward height was measured twice weekly using a swardstick and was controlled by the addition and removal of sheep. Herbage mass was of 633 and 1397 kg of dry matter (DM)/Ha for the LSH and HSH paddocks, respectively.
The intake and digestion of high and low digestibility ryegrass hays by South American camelids and sheep
Authors: Riley Judith A. , Baker D.H. , Moseley G. 
Published: June 2019

The use of South American camelids, as producers of fine fibres, has been proposed as a means of agricultural diversification. Relatively little is known however, of their nutrition and digestive ability under U.K. conditions. The present study was undertaken to determine if South American camelids (llama x guanaco) differ from sheep in terms of the voluntary intake and digestibility of contrasting forages.Two chaffed ryegrass hays of high (A) and low (B) nutritive value were fed ad libitum to six animals of each species for two periods of 22 days in a cross-over design.
Effect of Basal Diet on Sheep Rumen Degradability of Different Feedstuffs
Authors: Chaso M.A. , Manso T. , Giráldez F.J. , Mantecón A.R. 
Published: June 2019

The provision of grain supplements to ruminants provide extra fermentable organic matter for the rumen microbial biomass, but often results in a lower whole efficient of ruminal digestion (Obaraet al., 1991; Weakleyet al., 1983). The present study was conducted to evaluate the effect of different basal diets on rumen degradability of several feedstuffs.Ruminal digestion of three feedstuffs - soybean meal (SBM), lucerne hay (LH) and barley straw (BS) - was determined byin saccomethod according a 2 × 3 factorial design defined by 2 basal diets - lucerne hay (H) or lucerne hay plus barley (40:60; HB) - and three churra ewes fitted with ruminal cannula.
Effects of Sustained Release Boluses Providing Selenium and Vitamin E on Blood Glutathione Levels of Cows and their Calves
Authors: Hemingway R.G. , Parkins J.J. , Lawson D.C. , Allan C.L. 
Published: June 2019

Provision of additional trace elements to cattle at grass by means of free-access mineral mixtures, feed blocks or molassed liquid feeds results in both wide variation and unpredictable individual intakes. Frequently, more than one trace element may be required and sometimes, for example, animals may individually receive combinations of selenium (by injection or rumen bolus), copper (by injection or as copper oxide needles) and cobalt (by rumen bolus or vitamin B12 injection).This communication describes the use of a multi-trace element/vitamin bolus system (“Alltrace”, Agrimin Ltd.) in situations where dietary selenium intakes were very low over extended periods. The bolus is a dietary supplement composed of normal trace element salts such are used in mineral mixtures, vitamin sources and copper oxide powder. It is in the form of a compressed cylinder (2·5 cm diameter × 7·5 cm length) coated, apart from one exposed end, with an impervious polymer. Two boluses, by a process of solution and mutual erosion in the reticulum, release nutrients at mean rates (estimated by the use of rumen-fistulated cows) over about 240 days of 2 mg Se and 9 iu vitamin E with (mg/day) Cu 138, Mn 71, Zn 113, Co 2,1 2·1 with (lu/day) vitamin A 4644 and vitamin D 929. An end weight is included to increase the overall density. This disperses to leave no permanent residue in the rumen.
The diet selection of lambs offered food choices of different nutrient density
Authors: Cooper S.D.B. , Kyriazakis I. 
Published: June 2019

Cropper (1987) considered the influence of the ‘bulkiness’ of foods upon the diet selections made by growing lambs. The food pairs offered differed in both crude protein (CP) concentration and digestibility. The lambs offered such choices did not completely avoid the more bulky food, which would have been expected from an optimal foraging point of view (Krebs & McCleery, 1984). This led to the suggestion that the consumption of small quantities of the more bulky food was beneficial to the lamb, perhaps to maintain rumen function. The foods used in Cropper's (1987) experiment had different metabolisable energy concentrations and so the ratio of protein:energy would have varied between foods, thus these lambs may have attempted to select diets in order to achieve a specific ratio of such nutrients.The objective of this experiment was to test whether nutrient density (concentrations of protein and energy) has an influence upon diet selection. This was achieved by offering pairs of foods with different nutrient densities but a constant ratio of metabolisable protein (MP): metabolisable energy.
The effect of physiological state (late pregnancy) on the diet selection of ewes
Authors: Cooper S.D.B. , Kyriazakis I , Anderson D. H. , Oldham J. D. 
Published: June 2019

Previous studies of diet selection, in a controlled environment (Hou et al, 1991; Kyriazakis & Oldham, 1992) have demonstrated that growing lambs are able to select, from foods differing in crude protein content, a diet which meets their requirements for protein. Little consideration has been given to the effect of other physiological states upon diet selection. The ewe in the last eight weeks before lambing has been chosen as further model; during this period ewes have an increasing requirement for metabolisable energy and protein in order to supply the growth and development of the foetus and maternal tissues. In addition the foetus has an increasing absolute requirement for glucose, which must be supplied by the ewe herself via gluconeogenesis.The objective of this experiment was determine whether ewes are able to select a diet, from a pair of foods, which enables them to supply these requirements for metabolisable energy and protein. Secondly it was hoped that the size of the pool of non amino precursors could be altered and so it would be possible to test whether the availability of such precursors would have an influence upon the selection for protein.
Feeding chopped sorghum stover to ethiopian sheep: effects of sorghum variety and amount offered on intake, digestibility and live-weight change
Authors: Osafo ELK , Owen E , Said A N , Gill M , McAllan A B , Sherington J 
Published: June 2019

Previous experiments (Osafo, Owen, Said, Gill & McAllan, 1992), investigated the possibility of using low-input technology to improve intake of sorghum stover in sheep and cattle. Physical form of stover influenced intake differently in sheep and cattle; chopping stover increased intake in sheep but decreased intake in cattle.In an earlier experiment in the same research project, Aboud, Owen, Reed, & McAllan (1990) offered sheep, chopped stovers from bird-resistant (BR) and non bird-resistant (NBR) sorghum. It was hypothesised that intake of BR stover would be lower on account of its higher content of anti-nutritional, polyphenolic compounds. The results were contrary to expectation. The higher leaf:stem in the BR stover was thought to counteract the anti-nutritional factors and account for the higher intake and growth with BR stover. In view of the differences in leaf-plus-sheath:stem ratios between the BR and NBR stovers, the experiment was considered inconclusive. Also the fact that the stovers were supplemented with cottonseed meal may have alleviated any detrimental effect of feeding NBR stover.
The Nutritive Value of Some Tropical Forage Legumes from Zimbabwe.
Authors: Acamovic T. , Hare Justine , Topps J.H. 
Published: June 2019

Legumes are a very diverse source of food for humans and animals. Generally pulse legumes are used as human foodstuffs while pasture, shrub and tree legumes are more suitable and frequently used as a supplement to low quality feedstuffs for ruminant animals. The importance and potential of forage legumes is due to their diversity, compositional, agronomic and nutritional attributes.In many of the ruminant production systems of the developing world, native or naturalised grass pastures make up the bulk of the feed. The low quality and seasonal nature of the forage supply, together with the low intake by animals and the poor digestibility of the forage are major factors which contribute to low productivity of ruminant animals. There is thus substantial scope for the utilisation of the large array of forage legumes as a supplement for ruminant diets, especially in the arid and semi-arid tropics. Although the potential of forage legumes is high there is relatively little information on the vast array of materials available. There is some evidence, however, that some forage legumes have low digestibilities and contain a considerable variety of antinutrients and toxins which influence their nutritive value (Mueller-Harvey and Reed, 1992; D’Mello & Acamovic, 1989, Acamovic et al, 1992; Baintner et al, 1992; Jones et al, 1992; Topps, 1992).
Comparison of 2 growth patterns during the growing period in fattening bulls. 2. plasma metabolites and hormones.
Authors: Van Eenaene C. , Clinquart A. , Hornick J.L. , Mayombo P. , Istasse L. 
Published: June 2019

Growth rate in young animals is closely related to feed intake. Restriction followed by adequate feeding results in compensatory growth. During the latter period high growth rates are observed. The aim of this study was to look at metabolic and hormonal parameters associated with two different growth patterns, e.g. normal growing-fattening and restricted growth followed by compensatory growth in young bulls of the highly productive Belgian Blue breed.Twelve young Belgian Blue (BB) bulls (initial weight 233 kg) were given, during a 202 days growing period either a normal (control group, +) or a restricted diet (compensatory growth group, -). The imposed growth rates were 1 kg/d and .3 kg/d respectively. In the subsequent fattening period the same fattening diet was given to both groups. The fattening period lasted for 82 and 194 days for the + and - group respectively.
Design of modified cages for laying hens: effects on behaviour and welfare
Authors: Appleby Michael C. 
Published: June 2019

Modifications to laying cages suggested by previous trials at Edinburgh include provision of a perch, a nest box and a dust bath, and increased area and height compared to conventional cages; the effects of combining these features is now described. Medium-weight hybrids were housed as groups of 4 in 48 cages of 4 types:control cages (C);experimental cages with nest box lined with litter (L);experimental cages with nest box lined with artificial turf (A);experimental cages with nest box lined with plastic grid (P).In sub-treatments A1 and P1, eggs were prevented from rolling away
for the first 6 weeks of lay, by blocking the rollaway slot. In
sub-treatments A2 and P2, eggs rolled away from the beginning of
lay.
The effect of environment on plasma Cortisol in parturient sows
Authors: Lawrence Alistair B , Petherick J Carol , McLean Kirsty A , Deans Lesley A , Chirnside Joan , Vaughan Ashley 
Published: June 2019

Sows show increased activity during the pre-parturient period and if given the opportunity will express nest-building behaviour (Haskell and Hutson, 1993). It has been suggested that farrowing crates by closely confining sows and preventing this pre-parturient behaviour induce behavioural stress. The aim of this work was to test this hypothesis by measuring the effect of parturition environment on plasma levels of Cortisol a commonly used physiological indicator of behavioural stress in pigs.Twenty-three Large White x Landrace gilts (Cotswold Pig Development Co Ltd, UK; average weight 187 kg ± 3) were implanted with Jugular catheters approximately 10-14 days before their expected farrowing date (EFD). After surgery the animals were moved to 2 x 2 m strawed pens, before being transferred on day 5 before EFD, either into a standard farrowing crate without bedding (Treatment C; n = 11) or into a strawed farrowing pen (2.1 x 3.1 m; Treatment P; n = 12). The animals were blood sampled on the day before (Pre/In) and the day after introduction (Post/In) to the treatments. Blood sampling was resumed 48 hours before EFD and continued until 5 hours post-commencement of farrowing. Samples were generally taken every 4 hours over 24 hour periods, expect for day Post/In, when more rapid sampling took place over the 2 hours post-introduction (Post/lni), before sampling returned to every 4 hours for the rest of the 24 hour period (Post/ln2). More rapid sampling also occurred from approximately 24 hours pre- to 5 hours post-parturition. The plasma was assayed for Cortisol and the data averaged over the following time periods: Pre/In; Post/lni; Post/ln2 -48 to -24 hours (-48/-24); -23.30 to -12 hours (-24/-12); -11.30 to 0 (parturition) hours (-12/0); 0.30 to 2 hours (0/2); 2.30 to 5 hours (2/5). The data were transformed by log and analysed by analysis of variance.
Behaviour and performance of lactating sows and piglets housed individually OR in a multisuckling system
Authors: Sinclair A , Edwards S A , Cruickshank A , English P R 
Published: June 2019

Use of a farrowing crate can benefit newborn piglets but imposes severe restriction on sow movement throughout lactation. It is necessary to find a compromise between the commercial requirements for control in the immediate neonatal period, to maximise piglet survival, and enhanced welfare for the animals, by reducing environmental restriction. This might be achieved by combining individual farrowing in controlled systems with later multisuckling of a group of contemporary litters in a larger and more diverse environment. Application of modern understanding on nutrition and environment could allow such systems to function more successfully than in the past and provide a commercially attractive option.A total of 33 purebred Landrace or Large White sows and their litters were used in the study. All sows farrowed in commercial accommodation based on farrowing crates in partly slatted pens. These pens had a covered creep area for the piglets which was bedded with shavings. Control litters remained in this accommodation until weaning. Experimental litters were moved to specially constructed multisuckling pens.