bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Some metabolic and productive responses of growing Japanese quail as affected by dietary thyme, dianthus and fennel
Authors: Abd El-Latif S. A. 
Published: June 2019

SummaryThis experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of adding some herbal feed additives (HF A) [thyme (T, Thymus Vulgaris L.), dianthus (D, Delphinum Ajaews), and fennel (F, Foeniculum Vulgare L.)] at a level of 10g/kg to Japanese quail diets on performance and some metabolic functions. Adding HFA to the control diet improved (P<0.05) body gain, feed intake and feed conversion (feed/gain) efficiency. The birds fed dietary F additive exhibited the best (P<0.05) values of these parameters during the entire period (0 to 6 weeks of age), compared with other dietary treatments. There was an improvement (P<0.05) in total protein, globulin, and albumin for birds fed dietary T or F at six weeks of age. Birds fed on dietary F recorded the lowest (P<0.05) value of these components compared with other dietary treatments.
The effect of steer sera generating low or high concentrations of ammonia in culture on bovine embryo development and cell number in vitro
Authors: Kuran M. , Staines M.E. , McCallum G.J. , Onal A.G. , McEvoy T.G. 
Published: June 2019

Ovine embryos produced in synthetic oviduct fluid (SOF) medium or in coculture with granulosa cell monolayers supplemented with low (A; 120 μmol/l) and high (B; 190 μmol/l) ammonia-producing steer sera caused different degrees of fetal oversize (Carolan et al., 1998). The objective of the present study was to determine whether the effects on fetal growth induced by these sera were associated with alterations in early embryo development.A total of 911 bovine oocytes, used in 8 replicates to test the effect of three culture treatments on embryo development, were matured and fertilized in vitro (IVF= Day 0). Presumptive zygotes were allocated on Day 1 to culture in SOF supplemented with 10% v/v steer serum (SOF+A, n=308; SOF+B, n=302) or with amino acids plus 0.4% w/v crystalline BSA (SOFaaBSA, n=301). All cultures were in 20 μl droplets under oil (38.5°C; 5% CO2, 5% O2; 4 zygotes per drop) and droplets were renewed every 48 h. Cleavage rate was recorded on Day 3. On Days 7 and 8, blastocyst yields, grade 1 and 2 blastocysts, their cell numbers (by staining with Hoechst 33342) and their stage and diameter were determined.
The effect of feed restriction prior to slaughter on performance and meat quality of pigs
Authors: Beattie V.E. , Weatherup R.N. , Moss B W 
Published: June 2019

Feed restriction prior to slaughter may reduce live and carcass weight gain (Murray and Jones, 1994) and meat quality (Warriss, 1982) but can reduce carcass contamination and the amount of waste to be disposed of at the slaughter house (Eikelenbloom et al., 1991). Most literature studies are however based on a single feed restriction while group housed pigs may be slaughtered over a period of time and can therefore be subjected to several periods of feed restriction. This study was conducted to examine the effects of feed restriction prior to slaughter on the production performance and meat quality of group housed finishing pigs.There were three experimental treatments (1) control - ad libitum access up to point of transport, feeders closed off for 12 hours (Treatment 2) and feeders closed off for 20 hours (Treatment 3) prior to transport to the slaughter house. All pigs had unrestricted access to water. Four hundred and eighty six, 35 kg crossbred pigs, housed in groups of 18, were randomly allocated to 9 replicates of the three treatments. Pigs were slaughtered when a target live weight of 102 kg was reached. Production performance was recorded on a weekly basis when the first pig in any treatment approached 95 kg live weight until all pigs were slaughtered.
Trade-offs between sward nitrogen intake and faecal avoidance in sheep foraging decisions: the effect of parasitic status and level of feeding motivation
Authors: Hutchings M.R. , Kyriazakis I. , Anderson D.H. , Gordon I.J. , Jackson F. 
Published: June 2019

The deposition of dung on pasture may create a trade-off between the benefit of increased nutrient intake due to the leaching of nutrients and the risk of parasitism due to migration of helminth parasite larvae (Sykes, 1987), from the faeces to the sward. Physiological state can affect herbivore foraging decisions in relation to this trade-off. Our objectives were to determine whether such a trade-off exists in a grazing situation for sheep and whether level of feeding motivation and parasitic status affect the grazing behaviour of sheep faced with this trade-off.Texel x Greyface lambs were presented pairs of swards (36 x 21cm) which varied in nitrogen content (high=N+; low=N-) and level of contamination with faeces from sheep infected with Ostertagia circumcincta (Ost.) (20g faeces per sward=F+; no faeces=F-) and allowed to graze for short periods (60 bites or ten minutes). We defined ‘taking the trade-off’ as taking more bites from an N+F+ sward compared to an N-F- sward, when presented together as a choice.
Cumulative protein intake of pig genotypes, selected for high or low lean growth, when fed diets differing in protein content
Authors: Cameron N.D. , McCorquodale C.C. , Welham S. , Thompson R. 
Published: June 2019

Testing several genotypes on one diet may impose nutritional constraints on growth for particular genotypes. In the study, three genotypes were tested on four isoenergetic dietary regimes to determine if a genotype with diet interaction existed for the pattern of cumulative protein intake and total protein intake.There were 150 Large White pigs from the lean, control and fat lines, with divergent selection for lean growth rate over seven generations. In each line, there were 10 full-sib groups and within each full-sib group, one pig was allocated to each of the high (H : 220 g crude protein (CP)/kg) or low (L : 120 g CP/kg) protein diets, a standard test diet (S : 195 g CP/kg) and the two remaining pigs were tested using the diet-choice procedure (DC), using the H and L diets. Pigs were performance tested from 30 to 85 kg, with individual penning.
Impact of variation in yield of gas during incubation on simulated gas production and extent of ruminal degradation
Authors: Dijkstra J. , France J. , Lopez S. , Dhanoa M.S. 
Published: June 2019

To calculate the extent of ruminal degradation based on the gas production technique, equations were derived to describe gas production profiles from substrate degradation (France et al. submitted). This derivation demonstrated that if the yield of gas (Y; ml/g degradable OM) produced during the course of incubation varies significantly, then the calculated extent of degradation is not correct. Variation in Y may occur due to variation in the yield of individual volatile fatty acids (VFA) produced. The objective of this simulation study was to examine the impact of variation in individual VFA production and consequently in yield of gas on the extent of ruminal degradation.Gas production profiles were simulated based on a generalized Mitscherlich (GM) equation (see France et al. submitted) for three substrates (soluble sugars, starch, fibre) that differ in degradation rate and VFA production profile (see Table 1).
Phospholipid fatty acids and meat quality in cattle breeds fed different diets
Authors: Vatansever L. , Kurt E. , Richardson R.I. , Nute G.R. , Enser M. , Scollan N. , Wood J.D. 
Published: June 2019

The aim of future beef production is healthier, tastier products which consumers will find attractive. Combinations of breed and feeding system are required to fulfil these aims. In this project we compared the Holstein- Friesian (HF) breed, an allegedly inferior beef producer, with Welsh Black (WB), a traditional beef breed. Of particular interest was the role of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) in flavour development.Thirty six steers, 18 HF and 18 WB, were reared on grass silage plus one of three concentrates. The concentrates contained different fat sources at 0.03 of intake: 1. megalac (control, C16:0); 2. formaldehyde-protected whole linseed (Lin, C18:3 n-3); and 3. an equal mix on a fat basis of protected linseed and fish oil (Lin/fish, C20:5 and C22:6 n-3). The animals were slaughtered after 90 days consumption of the diets. Fortyeight hours after slaughter, three forequarter muscles (M. supraspinatus, M. infraspinatus and M. triceps brachii caput longum) were trimmed of fat, minced and displayed in modified atmosphere packs (0.8 02:0.2 CO2, 4°C in 1000 Lux) for 3 or 10 days.
The effect of cutting height at harvest on the aerobic stability and digestibility of fermented whole crop wheat silage offered to sheep
Authors: Wilkinson R. G. , Sinclair L. A. 
Published: June 2019

Previous work with fermented whole crop wheat (WCW) silage has focussed on the effects of stage of maturity on nutritive value and milk production (Sinclair and Wilkinson 1998). An alternative means of manipulating nutritive value may be to alter the relative proportions of grain to straw by changing the cutting height at harvest. The objectives of the current experiment were to determine the effects of two cutting heights on the aerobic stability and whole tract digestibility of fermented WCW silage offered to sheep.Winter wheat (variety Hunter) was grown as a conventional crop and harvested at a dry matter (DM) content of 450 g/kg and a Zadock growth stage of approximately 85 (soft dough). The crop was cut to leave a stubble length of either 17.9 cm (long straw, LS) or 38.2 cm (short straw, SS) prior to ensiling in separate ag-bags.
Influence of different energy supplements on nitrogen utilisation by dairy cows fed grass silage diets
Authors: Castillo A.R. , Barbi J.H. , Beever D.E. , Sutton J.D. , Humphries D.J. 
Published: June 2019

The efficiency of nitrogen (N) utilisation in dairy cows fed grass silage diets is normally low and is related to an impaired utilisation of N in the rumen. Choice of carbohydrate type may affect this efficiency, influencing milk production and composition, and changing the output of N in faeces or urine. This experiment was undertaken to examine the effect of different iso-energetic supplements containing contrasting energy sources on N utilisation and milk production in early/mid lactation dairy cows fed early cut partially wilted grass silage.Six iso-energetic supplements were formulated as treatments; four to contain 160 g CP/kg DM and contrasting carbohydrate sources, viz.: neutral detergent fibre (NDF; wheatfeed, 350 g/kg, molassed and unmolassed sugar beet pulp 412 g/kg); low degradability starch (LDS; maize grain 500 g/kg, wheat 237 g/kg); high degradability starch (HDS; wheat and barley grain 812 g/kg); and soluble sugars (SS; molasses, 525 g/kg, citrus pulp, 125 g/kg).
The production response by dairy cows to four levels of straw inclusion in grass silage based diets
Authors: Ferris C.P. , Patterson D.C. , Gordon F.J. , Kilpatrick D.J. 
Published: June 2019

High concentrate feed levels, with a consequent fall in the fibre content of the diet, are increasingly being offered to high genetic merit dairy cows. To improve fibre intake, small quantities of straw are often incorporated into the diet. This study was undertaken to examine the production response of dairy cows, offered a medium quality grass silage based diet together with relatively high levels of concentrate supplementation, to straw inclusion in the diet.Forty high genetic merit dairy cows, 20 multiparious and 20 first lactation animals (PTA95 fat + protein = 41.4 and 39.7 kg respectively) were used in this study. The study consisted of four treatments, arranged in a two period (4 week duration), partially balanced change-over design trial, with first lactation and multiparious animals being blocked separately. The experimental treatments consisted of grass silage mixed with one of four levels of straw, and offered ad libitum in the form of a mixed diet.
A comparison of two contrasting milk production systems for high genetic merit autumn calving dairy cows in a grassland based production environment
Authors: Ferris C.P. , Gordon F.J. , Patterson D.C. , Mayne C.S. 
Published: June 2019

In a previous short term study, Ferris et al. (1997) demonstrated that similar levels of nutrient intake and animal performance could be obtained by either increasing silage feed value and reducing concentrate feed level, or by reducing silage feed value and increasing concentrate feed level. The principles established in this study were incorporated into this trial to examine two systems of milk production over a full lactation, including both the winter and grazing periods.Forty high genetic merit dairy cows (PTA95 fat + protein = 38.2 kg), in their second or subsequent lactation, were used in a continuous design full lactation study. Animals had a mean calving date of 1 November and were allocated to one of two systems of milk production, HF or HC, within 36 hours of calving. During the winter, animals on system HF were offered a silage with high feed value characteristics, supplemented with 5.5 kg of concentrate (crude protein concentration of 280 g/kg DM) through an out-of-parlour feeding system.
The effect of age and energy level on the growth potential of Sangsary female lambs in Iran
Authors: Rouzbehan Y. , Shabani A. , Assadi Moghadam R. , Nik-khah A. 
Published: June 2019

A study was undertaken to evaluate the performance of male and female of Sangsary sheep, a native Iranian breed. Rouzbehan et al. (1996) detailed the growth rate and body composition of male lamb of this breed. In this summary, the production potential and carcass characteristics of female lamb were reported.Forty four 9 month (m) old female lambs, mean initial weight 22.9 kg (±2.5) were used. The two diets, which consisted of concentrae and roughage, had a similar protein content (150 g/ CP/kg DM) and metabolisable energy of either 10.6 MJ/ kg DM (diet A) or 9.2 MJ/kg DM (diet B) were each fed ad libitum to 22 lambs. The animals were grouply penned. At the start and end of the study, the animals were weighed on two consecutive days. Throughout the study, live weight gain (LWG) and dry matter intake (DMI) were recorded weekly.
Eating quality of lamb: differences between extreme breed x production system groups
Authors: Nute G. R. , Wood J. D. , Enser M. , Hallett K. G. , Sinclair L.A. , Wilkinson R. G. 
Published: June 2019

There is anecdotal evidence that certain sheep breeds, reared in a particular way, produce unusual or characteristic tastes in cooked meat. Such effects could be linked to differences in meat fatty acid composition associated with the consumption of different diets. This study investigated eating quality and fat composition in 4 distinctively different breed x feeding system groups.Four groups of 20 ram lambs were obtained as follows: Pure Soays (SO) finished off grass in April from commercial breeders; Pure Welsh Mountain (WM) finished off upland grass in October from ADAS Pwllpeiran; Suffolk x Mules from Harper Adams College finished off concentrates (grains) (SC) in April; and Suffolk x mules from the same source finished off grass (SG) in May. The animals were transported to Langford where they were slaughtered in Bristol University's abattoir.
A comparison of chopped/un-chopped big bale silage, pit silage and hay when offered with concentrates to twin bearing ewes
Authors: Crosby T.F. , Quinn P.J. , Callan J.J. , Flynn B. , O'Doherty J.V. , Nowakowski P. , McGrane C.H. 
Published: June 2019

Big bale silage has become increasingly popular on many livestock farms in Ireland yet there is limited information on its use for sheep. The objective of this experiment was to compare the effects of feeding chopped or unchopped big bale silage, pit silage and hay when supplemented with either a barley or a molassed sugar beet pulp based concentrate when fed to ewes in late pregnancy on feed intake, ewe weight and body condition score changes, gestation length, lamb birth weight and colostrum yield.Sixty four mature lowland cross ewes (8/treatment) were oestrus synchronised in October and mated to terminal sire breeds (Suffolk, Texel or Charollais). The ewes were housed, winter shorn and pregnancy scanned in December, following which twin bearing animals were allocated to a 4 x 2 factorial experiment and individually fed either un-chopped or chopped big bale silage which had been wilted for 36-48 hours as is usual for this type of forage, pit silage, which had been wilted for 18-24 hours or hay.
Effect of supplementation method on grazing behaviour of hill ewes
Authors: Waterhouse A. , Marsh S.P. 
Published: June 2019

Supplementary feeding of hill ewes during pregnancy is an important aspect of sheep management. Two broad groups of feed are given. Firstly, there is feed offered on a restricted basis, daily. Secondly, there are feeds offered on an ad libitum basis, of which feedblocks are the most important form for hill ewes. Some studies have shown interaction between feedblock intake and social behaviour but little is known about foraging behaviour.The study used three, 3 ha (50m x 600m) paddocks side by side, rising steeply from 280 to 490 metres above sea level on a semi-natural acid grassland hill pasture. Each plot was divided with markers on the fence line into 15 divisions of 40m wide, rising in altitude up the plot, each referred to as grids later. In Plot 1, 10 hill ewes were offered 150 g/head of pelleted molassed sugar beet feed at 10 am each day at grid 1 (i.e. at the bottom of the slope).
Cellulase and xylanase activity of the rumen anaerobic fungi grown on untreated and sodium hydroxide treated barley straw
Authors: Rezaeian M. , Parker D. S. , Beakes G. W. 
Published: June 2019

The treatment of straw with sodium hydroxide in order to upgrade its nutritive value and to increase the utilisation of its energy by ruminants has been widely employed in many parts of the world. The aim of the experiment was to assess the fibrolytic activity of the anaerobic fungi in vitro using either untreated or NaOH treated barley straw.Anaerobic fungi were isolated from the rumen of a sheep fed with a diet of hay and lucerne pellets using medium C based on that described by Davies et al. (1993) and as modified by Rezaeian (1996). The Isolates were inoculated into two series of culture media containing either sodium hydroxide treated (TS) or untreated milled straw (US). Five replicate cultures were prepared and incubated at 39 °C over a period of 12 days. The dry matter loss of the substrates and changes in pH of the medium cultures were measured.
The effects of amino acid supply on total and individual cellular protein synthesis in ovine hepatocytes
Authors: Hazlerigg DG , Soultoyiannis N , Cash P , Wheelhouse NM 
Published: June 2019

Protein nutrition, through altered amino-acid supply, regulates the quality and quantity of animal products, and deficiencies in supply of / response to amino-acids may be a limiting factor in ruminant efficiency. The effects of amino-acid supply may be indirect, via modulation of anabolic hormonal signalling. In particular, amino-acid limitation reduces insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) - and increases IGF-1 binding protein 1 (IGFBP-1) - production by the liver, and hence modulates the sensitivity of tissues to pituitary GH as an anabolic signal (Gluckman et al, 1987). The mechanisms through which amino-acids exert these selective effects on liver protein production are not understood.The present study sought to determine whether the effects of amino-acids on total cellular protein synthesis are sufficient to account for observed reductions in IGF-1 production in cultured ovine hepatocytes. In addition the use of two dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (2D-PAGE) to visualise changes in translation of individual proteins caused by amino-acids in cultured ovine hepatocytes is described.
The effect of alpha-galactosidase on the nutritive value of a cereal-soybean-pea diet for growing pigs
Authors: Morales J. , Pérez J.F. , Baucells F. , Gasa J. 
Published: June 2019

The use of exogenous enzymes extracted from batch microbes has expanded recently; and different enzymatic additives are being used to improve the nutritive value of monogastric diets. Most legume seeds contain measurable amounts of ? -galactosides, such as raffinose and stachyose (Kuo et al., 1988). These oligosacharides have been proved to pass undigested through the small intestine, and depress to some extent the digestibility of other nutrients (Gdala et al, 1997). Our aim was to assess the effect of adding a high dose ? -galactosidase to cereal-soybeanpea based diets on performance and digestive efficiency of growing pigs.54 growing pigs (LW 43 ± 2 kg) were randomly allocated in eighteen pens, three animals each, and fed “ad libitum” a basal diet either supplemented with ? -galactosidase (Biogalactosidase, Quest; 400 ppm) or unsupplemented (nine pens/treatment).
Behaviour and performance of sows and piglets in crates and a Thorstensson system
Authors: Bradshaw R. H. , Broom D. M. 
Published: June 2019

There has been considerable concern over the welfare of sows housed in farrowing crates due to the severe restriction of movement this imposes upon them. A number of alternative systems have therefore been developed which allow sows greater freedom of movement. The aim of this study was to compare the behaviour and performance of sows housed in conventional crates with sows housed in a group-house Thorstensson system.A total of 18 Large White x Landrace sows were farrowed in crates or a group-housing Thorstensson system (balanced for parity and time of year). Two batches of seven were farrowed through the Thorstensson system of which five in each batch were selected for the current analysis (based on ease of observation). Thus a total of ten sows were analysed from the group-system (mean parity: 1.90 ± 0.40; 6 gilts). In addition eight sows were analysed from crates (mean parity 1.62 ± 0.26; 4 gilts).
Effect of hunger and exploration on first consumption of solid food by piglets
Authors: Lee H. F. , Appleby M. C. , Morgan C. A. 
Published: June 2019

Piglets are usually supplied with solid food - creep food - at a time when most are still obtaining adequate nutrition from milk. Getting piglets started on solid food may help their growth performance both before and after weaning. As young piglets are highly exploratory animals (A'Ness et al., 1997) and food restriction increases the tendency of older pigs to express foraging behaviour (Lawrence et al., 1988), the objective of this experiment was to examine the relative importance of exploratory behaviour and hunger on initiation of creep feeding by piglets.Eight litters of Large White x Landrace piglets were used in this study. Each piglet was ear tagged and weighed within 24h of birth. When a litter was 16 days old (d16), each piglet was weighed and 8 piglets were taken in pairs, between nursings, to one of two experimental pens for 30 mins familiarization and filming, twice each.
Effects of pre-mixing sows prior to their introduction into a large dynamic group : sow behaviour and welfare
Authors: Durrell J.L. , Beattie V.E. , Sneddon I.A. 
Published: June 2019

Sow welfare legislation has meant that many dry sows are now housed in large dynamic groups. The large group sizes involved in these systems and the constant turnover of sows does not allow stable relationships to be formed and so leads to agonistic behaviour (Moore, Gonyou and Ghent, 1993). The aim of this study was to determine if pre-mixing weaned sows in small groups for five weeks prior to introduction into the large group would reduce the overall level of agonistic behaviour.Sixteen groups of four newly weaned and unfamiliar sows were allocated at one week intervals to one of the following treatments. Treatment 1 (T1) involved introducing sows into small static groups of four for a period of 5 weeks prior to introducing them into a large dynamic group. Treatment 2 (T2) involved introducing sows directly into a separate large dynamic group.