bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of processing on rumen degradabilities of soyabean meal, and low and high glucosinolate rapeseed meals in cattle
Authors: Subuh A.M. , Rowan T.G. 
Published: June 2019

The effects of methods of processing soyabean meal (SBM), and low (LRSM) and high (HRSM) gluco-sinolate rapeseed meals on rumen degradability (DG) of dry matter (DM) and nitrogen (N), were determined by the nylon bag method in experiments of Latin Square design with 4 rumen-fistulated heifers. Rumen fractional outflow rates (FOR) for untreated SBM, LRSM and HRSM were determined by the chromium-mordant method in 2 heifers. Effective rumen degradabilities (EDG) for rumen incubation times of 24 h were calculated from DG and FOR.Methods of processing were formaldehyde (FT, 0.8g HCH0/I6g N), heat (HT, 110°C for 2 h) and untreated (UT). Heifers were given a basal diet of hay (0.55 of DM intake) and mineralized barley with LRSM (0.45 of DM intake). The diet was offered twice a day at 08.00 and 16.00 hours. An adaptation period of four weeks preceded the experiments.
Effects of processing on rumen degradabilities and intestinal digestibilities of soyabean meal, and low and high glucosinolate rapeseed meals in cattle
Authors: Subuh A.M. , Rowan T.G. 
Published: June 2019

In an experiment of 3 x 3 Latin Square design, 3 heifers each fitted with rumen and simple T-piece duodenal cannulae were used to determine the effects of method of processing soyabean meal (SBM), and low (LRSM) and high (HRSM) glucosinolate rapeseed meals on rumen degradabilities (RD) and intestinal digestibilities of dry matter (DM), nitrogen (N) and organic matter (0M) using a mobile nylon bag technique.Heifers were given a basal diet of hay (0.55 of DM intake) and mineralized barley with LRSM (0.45 of DM intake) to provide a ME intake of > 2 x maintenance. The diet was offered twice a day and a period of four weeks was allowed before the experiment. Methods of processing were formaldehyde (FT, 0.8 HCH0/l6g N), heat (HT, 110°C for 2 h) and untreated (UT). After processing the feedstuffs were ground and 1g samples were placed in sealed nylon bags (3-5 x 5.5 cm). The bags were placed in a plastic mesh cylinder and incubated in the rumen for 0, 12, and 24 hours.
The effect of sodium fertilizer application to pasture on feed and water intakes and rumen digestion
Authors: Chiy P.C. , Phillips C.J.C , Omed H.M. 
Published: June 2019

Previous studies (e.g Rogers et al., 1985; Estell and Gaylean, 1985) have shown that addition of sodium (Na) as NaHCO3 or NaCl to conserved feeds increases rumen pH, fluid dilution rate, digestibility of dietary nutrients and rumen cellulolysis. Little research has involved the effect of Na supplementation on cattle fed fresh herbage.The objective of the present experiment was to examine the effects of 0 (Nil), 32 (Low), 66 (Medium) and 96 (High) Kg Na ha-1 yr-1 applied as fertilizer to zero-grazed perennial ryegrass pasture, on rumen digestion and feed and water intakes.
The effect of fermentable energy supply on the excretion of purine derivatives in milk and urine of dairy cows
Authors: Moorby J.M. , Dewhurst R.J. 
Published: June 2019

The urinary excretion of allantoin and uric acid (collectively purine derivatives, or PD) provides an estimate of the yield of microbial protein (MP) from the rumen. The technique is useful for estimating rumen efficiency of dairy cows, but due to the problems associated with urine collection, its use is limited on the large scale. Measuring PD in milk would allow more routine assessments to be carried out on a practical level.Twelve multiparous mid-lactation Holstein/Friesian cows were used in a 3x3 Latin square changeover experiment with 3 four-week periods. Cows were allocated to squares on the basis of their mean milk yield of the 7 days prior to the trial. Within squares, treatments were randomly allocated to each cow. The first 25 days of each experimental period were used for adjustment, and the last 3 for the collection of milk and urine samples.
An Assessment of the Effect of Feeding System on the Production and Social Organisation of Group Housed Gilts
Authors: Stewart A H , Edwards S A , Brouns F , English P R 
Published: June 2019

Recent legislation prohibiting the use of individual confinement systems for dry sows has led to the adoption of group housed systems which have perceived welfare advantages. The feeding system for dry sows and gilts is fundamental to welfare and production; problems such as abnormal behaviours, aggression and psychological stress, caused by poor nutrient distribution in group systems, must be addressed.In this study the relative merits of three feeding systems for group housed gilts were investigated in relation to welfare and production.
Biotechnology: The Ethics
Authors: Mepham T B 
Published: June 2019

Few people question the basis of their moral viewpoints, yet if science is to be applied ethically it is necessary to subject these viewpoints to rational analysis. The paper provides an overview of prominent ethical theories (deontological and consequentalist) and their impact on novel and prospective animal biotechnologies. These theories are applied to the principles of: autonomy, justice, nonmaleficence and beneficence in relation to the interests of animals, the environment and humans.Deontological approaches include ‘rights’-based theories (often derived intuitively or from scriptural sources) and ‘contractualist’ theories, dependent on an ‘unwritten contract’ between rational beings to ensure fairness. For consequentialists (eg utilitarians), it is the outcome of actions that determines their ethical value. Few people, consciously or unconsciously, consistently employ a single ethical theory, but there is often much concordance between actions based on the different theories. Except for some intuitionists, ethicists emphasise the role of rationality in ethical theory; for even though intuition is an important element, many consider that universalizability of ethical theories entails the establishment of a ‘reflective equilibrium’
Comparison of Four Ultrasonic Techniques for In Vivo Estimation of Sheep Carcass Composition
Authors: Chadwick J.P , Yates C.M. , Owen M.G. 
Published: June 2019

1. There are many ultrasonic machines using a range of techniques varying in sophistication to measure fat and muscle depths for predicting carcass composition. An evaluation of four techniques was conducted by the Meat and Livestock Commission (MLC) to enable potential users to select the most appropriate technique based on accuracy, practicality and cost.2. A total of 150 commercial sheep comprising approximately equal numbers of castrates and ewes were evaluated in five batches of about equal size in lairage at one of two abattoirs. Live weight was recorded together with fat and muscle measurements from the Aloka, Dynamic Imaging, Dumatic and Velocity of Sound (VOS) ultrasonic techniques.3. The Aloka is a B-Mode real-time medical scanner which is currently used on cattle in Australia. The Dynamic Imaging is also a B-Mode real-time medical scanner which is currently used in MLC's Sheepbreeder Service.
The Role of Cut Surface Muscle Area in the Prediction of Carcass Composition of Beef, Lamb and Pork
Authors: Yates C M , Cuthbertson A , Owen M G 
Published: June 2019

1. Increased leanness is an economic objective of nearly all breed improvement programmes. Predictions of lean concentration can be used in an index of performance or can be used to select animals for slaughter.2. Predictions of carcass composition from ultrasonic measurements of fat and muscle depths are currently used to aid the selection of animals for breeding and slaughter. Recent developments allow muscle area to be measured using B-Mode pulse echo real-time ultrasonic scanning machines. These machines produce a two-dimensional image of a cross section through the animal, from which measurements may be taken.3. There is a need to estimate for the live animal the benefits of including eye muscle area in the prediction of carcass composition but few data are available to estimate this directly. Therefore the potential benefit of including such measurements in the prediction of carcass composition has been evaluated using measurements taken on the cut surface of carcasses
Crossbreeding and selection for fibre traits in cashmere goats
Authors: Bishop S.C. , Russel A.J.F. 
Published: June 2019

The agricultural industry in the UK is under increasing pressure to diversify its forms of production. One of the potentially most viable options suited to hill and upland farms is the production of cashmere, the fine undercoat produced by down bearing goats. Currently no breed of cashmere goat exists in the U.K. which meets market requirements, however, i.e. large quantities of fine, white cashmere. This paper presents results from a crossbreeding trial with Scottish Feral goats and several exotic lines of cashmere goats, the first step in improving production, and it considers future selection plans for improving cashmere production traits.Cashmere fibre production was evaluated on Scottish Feral goats (F) and on goats imported from Iceland (I), Tasmania (T), New Zealand (N) and Siberia (S), and on two and three way crosses between the F and exotic lines. These goats are owned by a group of commercial farmers, along with the Macaulay Land Use Research Institute, forming a group known as Cashmere Breeders Limited.
‘Food - a fact of life’ - food & nutrition education in practice
Authors: Fine Gill 
Published: June 2019

During the last ten years the volume of dietary information directed at consumers has increased dramatically. The British Nutrition Foundation (BNF) has become increasingly concerned that the avalanche of sometimes conflicting information is outstripping the ability of many consumers to use it effectively or even comprehend it, and believes that more emphasis should be placed on education rather than information.The Foundation believes that it is vital to begin education in food and nutrition at school, and that all pupils should receive tuition in this multifaceted subject throughout their school careers.
The use of a hyper-osmotic diluent for freezing ram semen
Authors: Ahangari Y.J. , Axford R.E.F. , ApDewi I. 
Published: June 2019

When semen is frozen ice forms extracellularly, and water is drawn from the cells (Mazur, 1970). Rapid freezing reduces dehydration and causes intracellular ice to form more quickly (Mazur, 1980). Cells frozen rapidly in liquid nitrogen do not survive, suggesting that partial dehydration is necessary for spermatozoa to survive freezing (Fahy et aL, 1984). Watson (1979) suggested that non-penetrating sugars have protective effects on spermatozoa during freezing. The addition of a non-penetrating solute such as raffinose to semen will dehydrate the cells by its osmotic effect.The object of this study was to investigate the effect of raffinose on cryoinjury of ram spermatozoa.Experiment 1.Raffinose was added to Tris egg-yolk glycerol buffer (Evans and Maxwell (1987) to concentrations of 0mM, 33mM, 66mM, 99mM, 132mM, 165mM and 198mM raffinose and used to extend (2:1) pooled semen from Cambridge rams.Factorial experiments with 3 replications were set up to test the effect of raffinose concentration, glycerol concentration, method of packaging of semen, pellet size and cooling rate of straws on the motility and survival of ram semen before and after freezing/thawing.
The effect of dietary inclusions of phytase and yeast on apparent phosphorus digestibility in pigs.
Authors: Khan Naheeda , Cole D.J.A. 
Published: June 2019

Enzymic hydrolysis of phytates has been shown to improve the apparent digestibility of phosphorus. Other nutrients bound to phytates may be released during phytate degradation by phytases. Dietary yeast may also improve the availability of phosphorus to pigs by altering gut fermentation patterns.The objectives of this experiment were (1) to study the effects of phytase on the apparent digestibility of phosphorus and other nutrients associated with phytates, and (2) to determine whether an alteration in fermentation induced by dietary yeast inclusion influenced availability of phosphorus.
Nutritional modification of body composition in genetically lean breeding sows and the consequences for reproductive performance
Authors: O'Dowd S. , Hoste S. , Mercer J.T. , Fowler V.R. , Edwards S.A. 
Published: June 2019

Selection for the reduction of carcase fat and the promotion of lean tissue growth has resulted in the production of faster growing, genetically lean breeding females. These animals often have very limited body fat reserves to utilise at times of high nutrient demand, such as during lactation. It is possible that reproductive performance and longevity may be improved as a consequence of alteration of the body composition of the breeding female by nutritional means.The experiment was designed to investigate the consequences for genetically lean animals of restricting lean tissue growth and promoting fat deposition in the period prior to a maiden service and in gestation using a low protein diet, and minimising fat loss in lactation using a nutrient dense diet (Treatment E) in comparison with feeding a conventional single diet (Treatment C). Two hundred and forty purebred Large White and Landrace gilts were allocated to one of these two nutritional regimes at 6 months of age on the basis of breed, liveweight and backfat. Animals remained on treatment for three parities and growth and performance parameters were monitored.
Welfare aspects of the perchery systea of housing for laying hens
Authors: Alvey D M , Tucker S A 
Published: June 2019

There is continuing public concern about the welfare of poultry kept in battery cages. However, current alternative systems would be unsuitable to fill the gap if cages were to be banned. Many welfare problems have been encountered with alternative systems. These include feather pecking, cannibalism, poor foot condition, bone breakage, poor production, high feed intake and floor egg laying. In 4 studies, between 1988 and 1992, the effect of the Gleadthorpe design of perchery on the performance, behaviour and welfare of laying hens was evaluated.The perchery consisted of 2 perch units constructed on wooden slatted platforms over a droppings pit. A block of 5 tier high nestboxes was provided along each side of the perchery. The nestboxes were of a rear roll-away type and contained “Astroturf” nest pads. Litter areas were available between the 2 perch units and between the perch units and the blocks of nest boxes.
Recent findings on tibial dyschondroplasia in broilers and osteoporosis in caged layers
Authors: Whitehead C.C. , Rennie J.S. , Farquharson C. , Fleming R.H. 
Published: June 2019

The skeletal disorders causing the most severe welfare problems in different classes of poultry are bone growth disorders in young birds and bone fragility in older laying hens.Angular and rotational deformities of leg bones are widespread in young birds, especially in broilers but also in turkeys. Dyschondroplasia is a widely observed defect in the growth plates of leg bones. It occurs most noticeably in the growth plate of the proximal tibia, the fastest growing bone in the young broiler, and is frequently referred to as tibial dyschondroplasia (TD). Resulting from a failure of growth plate chondrocytes to differentiate fully, it leads to a build up of a mass of prehypertrophic chondrocytes. The lesions develop between the ages of 2 and 5 weeks and can regress thereafter.The importance of TD in causing bone deformity was assessed by carrying out sequential radiography of the proximal tibias of a group of 20 broilers growing up to 16 weeks of age. At this time the tibias were dissected and the angulation of the proximal end (tibial plateau angle, TP°) was measured. The severities and durations of the TD lesions, assessed by radiography, were found to be highly correlated with the TP°. Birds with abnormally large TP° were obviously lame. These observations confirm that TD can lead to distortion of bone growth and that this can contribute to lameness in broilers (Lynch et al., 1992).
Characterisation of Behavioural Types in Pigs: The Relationship Between Feeding Behaviour and Social Rank
Authors: Spoolder H.A.M. , Burbidge J.A. , Lawrence A.B. , Simmins P.H. , Edwards S.A. , Terlouw E.M.C. 
Published: June 2019

In intensive farming, it is Important to remember that each individual animal has its own needs (Hughes and Duncan, 1988). In pigs, close confinement and food restriction can result in the development of abnormal behaviour. Terlouw et al. (1990) suggest that an individual's temperament may influence the development of such behaviour and therefore how a pig copes with environmental stress. Individual differences in behaviour are consistent and measurable (e.g. Lyons et al.. 1988). By determining an animal's temperament using a characteristic profile, it may it may be possible to predict the response of a temperament “type” to certain conditions.This study is part of a larger project concerned with the effects of housing and feed level on the development of behaviours in group-housed gilts. All the pigs entered a series of tests to measure individual characteristics prior to the main experiment. Two of the tests, one measuring feeding motivation and the other social behaviour, are compared here.
Patterns of Response of Some Physiological Indices of Stress in Pigs Negotiating Loading Ramps
Authors: Brown S.N. , Knowles T.G. , McKinstry J.L. , Edwards J.E. , Anil M.H. , Warriss P.D. 
Published: June 2019

Many reports have examined the effect of subjecting animals to stress and a variety of physiological indices have been used to monitor their responses. The indices are often only measured at one point in time and compared to resting levels. Problems could arise in interpretation of the results especially where there is little or no information on the time course of response. This work examined the pattern or response of various indices to the stress of negotiating a loading ramp.Four pigs of approximately 60 kg live weight were surgically prepared and indwelling catheters placed in both jugular veins. The animals were allowed to recover for three days and to become accustomed to the blood sampling procedure before the experiment. The pigs were driven individually up a 2.44m long ramp which was set at an angle of 34° lo the horizontal, the maximum allowed under UK legislation for internal vehicle ramps (Transport of Animals (Road and Rail) Order, 1975). Nine blood samples were removed at intervals from each pig. The whole process was repealed on each individual pig for three days.
Litter size in the matebele goat and its effects on productivity
Authors: Majele-Sibanda L , Bryant M.J. , Ndlovu L.R. 
Published: June 2019

The Matebele goat is indigenous to the Gwanda-Thuli area of Matebeleland. It is relatively large in size compared to most goats of the tropics, males being around 65 cm at the withers and weighing more than 35 kg, and is similar to many of the goat breeds found in southern Africa.Goats are usually kept by poor small-holder farmers and are frequently found in regions with few resources where other livestock have difficulties in surviving. Goats are important to the subsistence and economic development of peasant farmers because goats are cheaper to procure than cattle and provide a constant supply of essential food (both meat and milk) and cash income throughout the year. However, goats have a low priority in most households and little attention is given to their husbandry and welfare. This hampers attempts to improve the productivity of the goats. The results reported here demonstrate the effects of multiple births in Matebele goats upon the overall productivity of the animals.
Urea-treated straw as an ingredient in dairy cow diets
Authors: Iqbal N. , Leaver J.D. 
Published: June 2019

Cereal straw is the most abundant of crop residues and is an important feed resource especially in tropical countries. The limitations to its use arise from its high cellulose and lignin and low nitrogen content. The objectives of this research were to investigate the use of urea for the treatment of wheat straw and incorporation of the forage into dairy cow diets.In Experiment 1, 8 lactating Holstein Friesian cows were used in two 4 x 4 Latin Squares with three week periods. The treatments were; A - red clover silage (CS) ad libitum. B - 5kg DM/day CS + urea treated straw (TST) ad libitum. C - as for B but using untreated straw (UST), D - as for C but the straw was wetted at feeding to produce the same DM as TST (WST 600 g DM/kg). TST was treated with 5% urea (DM basis) and stored for 4-13 weeks. All cows were fed 6.4 kg DM/day of molassed sugarbeet pulp (MSBP) and o.6 kg DM/day of cottonseed meal (CSM).In Experiment 2, 10 Holstein Friesian cows were used in an incomplete Latin Square design of four 3 week periods. The treatments were; E - CS, F - 25% UST + 75% CS, G - 50% UST + 50% CS, H - 25% TST + 75% CS, I - 50% TST + 50% CS. All forages were offered ad libitum, arid in F to I pairs of forages were mixed. The urea was applied to TST at a rate of 7.5% (DM basis). The concentrate was 4.7 kg DM/day of MSBP and 2.3 kg DM/day of soya meal.
Effects of the utilization of mountain resources on Body Condition scoring in Latxa ewes and its consequences on reproductive performance.
Authors: Oregui Luis. M. , Bravo María V. , Gabiña Dunixi 
Published: June 2019

In the productive cycle of Latxa sheep we can distinguish two different periods. In winter and spring months the flocks are grazing the valley meadows and receiving indoors supplementation in relation to the productive situation of ewes, late pregnancy, suckling or milking. In the rest of the year, 120-180 days, which correspond to the main part of summer and autumn, the ewes are grazing mountain communal pastures (700-1.400 m. altitude) without any supplementation and little surveillance. Since in this period the ewes theoretically recover their body reserves, and the mating takes place, we have studied the evolution of Body Condition score (BCS) of ewes and the effect of BCS on the reproductive performance of the ewes.During two years we have determinated monthly the BCS of 20% of the ewes older than 1 year in 14 commercial flocks of Latxa breed. During the visits we made also a visual evaluation of the grazed areas, and the height of the grass in the pastured areas was determinated by means of the H.F.R.O. Sward Stick, if possible.
Carcass composition in lambs of greek dairy breeds of sheep at different degrees of maturity
Authors: Zygoyiannis D. , Stamataris C. , Katsaounis N. 
Published: June 2019

The indigenous sheep breeds of Greece, which are used mainly for milk production, produce lambs which are killed at weaning to provide carcasses (including the head, pluck, liver, spleen and the omental and mesenteric fat) of 5 to 9 Kg. The production of heavier carcases could be of benefit if they are acceptable to consumers and if they could be economically produced. The purpose of this experiment was to characterise the growth and development of the entire males and females of three Greek breeds under conditions presumed to be non-limiting.Animals. From each of three breeds, Boutsiko (B), Serres (S) and Karagouniko (K), 20 lambs of each sex were used in a serial slaughter experiment. Four animals of each breed/sex combination were killed at live weights which were 25, 35, 50, 70 and 100% of the estimated mature values. All sheep were weaned at 6 weeks of age and the males were entire.